bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A resting-state EEG dataset for sleep deprivation
Authors: Xiang Chuqin , Fan Xinrui , Bai Duo , Lv Ke , Lei Xu
Published: April 2024

To investigate the impact of sleep deprivation (SD) on mood, alertness, and resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG), we present an eyes-open resting-state EEG dataset. The dataset comprises EEG recordings and cognitive data from 71 participants undergoing two testing sessions: one involving SD and the other normal sleep. In each session, participants engaged in eyes-open resting-state EEG. The Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) was employed for alertness measurement. Emotional and sleepiness were measured using Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). Additionally, to examine the influence of individual sleep quality and traits on SD, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) were utilized. This dataset’s sharing may contribute to open EEG measurements in the field of SD.
Design expert based optimization of the pyrolysis process for the production of cattle dung bio-oil and properties characterization
Authors: Kaur Lovepreet , Singh Jayant , Ashok Alaknanda , Kumar Vijay
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to optimize pyrolysis conditions to maximize bio-oil yield from cattle dung, a waste product of livestock practices. Pyrolysis of cattle dung was carried out in batch type reactor. The pyrolysis process was optimized using a central composite design in response surface methodology, with conversion parameters such as pyrolysis temperature, vapor cooling temperature, residence time, and gas flow rate taken into account. The cattle dung bio-oil was analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), an elemental analyzer, a pH probe, and a bomb calorimeter. Furthermore, the ASTM standard procedures were used to determine the bio-fuel characteristics. The optimized conditions were found to be a pyrolysis temperature of 402 °C, a vapor cooling temperature of 2.25 °C, a residence time of 30.72 min, and a gas flow rate of 1.81 l min−1, resulting in a maximum bio-oil yield of 18.9%. According to the findings, the yield of bio-oil was predominantly affected by pyrolysis temperature and vapor cooling temperature. Moreover, the bio-oil that was retrieved was discovered to be similar to conventional liquid fuels in numerous ways.
Use of the flat panel detector fluoroscope reduces radiation exposure during periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Martino Rachael , Carry Patrick , Stickel Jennifer , Samara Omar , Lee Sterling , Selberg Courtney
Published: April 2024

The Periacetabular Osteotomy is a technically demanding procedure that requires precise intraoperative evaluation of pelvic anatomy. Fluoroscopic images pose a radiation risk to operating room staff, scrubbed personnel, and the patient. Most commonly, a Standard Fluoroscope with an Image Intensifier is used. Our institution recently implemented the novel Fluoroscope with a Flat Panel Detector. The purpose of this study was to compare radiation dosage and accuracy between the two fluoroscopes. A retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients who underwent Periacetabular Osteotomy for symptomatic hip dysplasia was completed. The total radiation exposure dose (mGy) was recorded and compared for each case from the standard fluoroscope (n = 27) and the flat panel detector (n = 26) cohorts. Lateral center edge angle was measured and compared intraoperatively and at the six-week postoperative visit. A total of 53 patients (96% female) with a mean age and BMI of 17.84 (± 6.84) years and 22.66 (± 4.49) kg/m2 (standard fluoroscope) and 18.23 (± 4.21) years and 21.99 (± 4.00) kg/m2 (flat panel detector) were included. The standard fluoroscope averaged total radiation exposure to be 410.61(± 193.02) mGy, while the flat panel detector averaged 91.12 (± 49.64) mGy (p < 0.0001). The average difference (bias) between intraoperative and 6-week postoperative lateral center edge angle measurement was 0.36° (limits of agreement: − 3.19 to 2.47°) for the standard fluoroscope and 0.27° (limits of agreement: − 2.05 to 2.59°) for the flat panel detector cohort. Use of fluoroscopy with flat panel detector technology decreased the total radiation dose exposure intraoperatively and produced an equivalent assessment of intraoperative lateral center edge angle. Decreasing radiation exposure to young patients is imperative to reduce the risk of future comorbidities.
MMPs-related risk model identification and SAA1 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma migration via ERK-AP1-MMPs axis
Authors: Wei Haotian , Li Yajun , Zhang Jian , Xu Chenglong , Wei Dadong , Quan Changyi , Zhu Shimiao
Published: April 2024

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been demonstrated to be essential in facilitating the migration and metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the ability of the MMP family to predict clinical outcomes and guide optimal therapeutic strategies for ccRCC patients remains incompletely understood. In this investigation, we initially conducted a thorough examination of the MMP family in pan-cancer. Notably, MMPs exhibited distinctive significance in ccRCC. Following this, we undertook an extensive analysis to evaluate the clinical value of MMPs and potential mechanisms by which MMPs contribute to the progression of ccRCC. A novel stratification method and prognostic model were developed based on MMPs in order to enhance the accuracy of prognosis prediction for ccRCC patients and facilitate personalized treatment. By conducting multi-omics analysis and transcriptional regulation analysis, it was hypothesized that SAA1 plays a crucial role in promoting ccRCC migration through MMPs. Subsequently, in vitro experiments confirmed that SAA1 regulates ccRCC cell migration via the ERK-AP1-MMPs axis. In conclusion, our study has explored the potential value of the MMP family as prognostic markers for ccRCC and as guides for medication regimens. Additionally, we have identified SAA1 as a crucial factor in the migration of ccRCC.
Uncertainty-driven mixture convolution and transformer network for remote sensing image super-resolution
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin
Published: April 2024

Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformer-based Networks have exhibited remarkable prowess in the realm of remote sensing image super-resolution (RSISR), delivering promising results in the field. Nevertheless, the effective fusion of the inductive bias inherent in CNNs and the long-range modeling capabilities encapsulated within the Transformer architecture remains a relatively uncharted terrain in the context of RSISR endeavors. Accordingly, we propose an uncertainty-driven mixture convolution and transformer network (UMCTN) to earn a performance promotion. Specifically, to acquire multi-scale and hierarchical features, UMCTN adopts a U-shape architecture. Utilizing the dual-view aggregation block (DAB) based residual dual-view aggregation group (RDAG) in both encoder and decoder, we solely introduce a pioneering dense-sparse transformer group (DSTG) into the latent layer. This design effectively eradicates the considerable quadratic complexity inherent in vanilla Transformer structures. Moreover, we introduce a novel uncertainty-driven Loss (UDL) to steer the network’s attention towards pixels exhibiting significant variance. The primary objective is to elevate the reconstruction quality specifically in texture and edge regions. Experimental outcomes on the UCMerced LandUse and AID datasets unequivocally affirm that UMCTN achieves state-of-the-art performance in comparison to presently prevailing methodologies.
Discrimination is associated with depression, anxiety, and loneliness symptoms among Asian and Pacific Islander adults during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ormiston Cameron K. , Strassle Paula D. , Boyd Eric , Williams Faustine
Published: April 2024

In the United States, Asian and Pacific Islander (A/PI) communities have faced significant discrimination and stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the association between discrimination and depression, anxiety, and loneliness symptoms among Asian or Pacific Islander adults (n = 543) using data from a 116-item nationally distributed online survey of adults (≥ 18 years old) in the United States conducted between 5/2021–1/2022. Discrimination was assessed using the 5-item Everyday Discrimination Scale. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness symptoms were assessed using the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and UCLA Loneliness Scale—Short form, respectively. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between discrimination and mental health. Overall, 42.7% of participants reported experiencing discrimination once a month or more. Compared with no discrimination, experiencing discrimination once a month was associated with increased odds of anxiety (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.38–4.77), depression (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.46–4.56), and loneliness (aOR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.75–4.67). Experiencing discrimination once a week or more was associated with even higher odds of anxiety (aOR = 6.90, 95% CI = 3.71–12.83), depression, (aOR = 6.96, 95% CI = 3.80–12.74), and loneliness (aOR = 6.91, 95% CI = 3.38–13.00). Discrimination is detrimental to mental health, even at relatively low frequencies; however, more frequent discrimination was associated with worse mental health symptoms. Public health interventions and programs targeting anti-A/PI hate and reducing A/PI mental health burden are urgently needed.
Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor influences body composition in adults with cystic fibrosis: a fully automated CT-based analysis
Authors: Westhölter Dirk , Haubold Johannes , Welsner Matthias , Salhöfer Luca , Wienker Johannes , Sutharsan Sivagurunathan , Straßburg Svenja , Taube Christian , Umutlu Lale , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Koitka Sven , Zensen Sebastian , Forsting Michael , Nensa Felix , Hosch René , Opitz Marcel
Published: April 2024

A poor nutritional status is associated with worse pulmonary function and survival in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulators can improve pulmonary function and body weight, but more data is needed to evaluate its effects on body composition. In this retrospective study, a pre-trained deep-learning network was used to perform a fully automated body composition analysis on chest CTs from 66 adult pwCF before and after receiving elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) therapy. Muscle and adipose tissues were quantified and divided by bone volume to obtain body size-adjusted ratios. After receiving ETI therapy, marked increases were observed in all adipose tissue ratios among pwCF, including the total adipose tissue ratio (+ 46.21%, p < 0.001). In contrast, only small, but statistically significant increases of the muscle ratio were measured in the overall study population (+ 1.63%, p = 0.008). Study participants who were initially categorized as underweight experienced more pronounced effects on total adipose tissue ratio (p = 0.002), while gains in muscle ratio were equally distributed across BMI categories (p = 0.832). Our findings suggest that ETI therapy primarily affects adipose tissues, not muscle tissue, in adults with CF. These effects are primarily observed among pwCF who were initially underweight. Our findings may have implications for the future nutritional management of pwCF.
Flexibility underlies differences in mitochondrial respiratory performance between migratory and non-migratory White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Authors: Rhodes Emma M. , Yap Kang Nian , Mesquita Paulo H. C. , Parry Hailey A. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Krause Jesse S. , Hill Geoffrey E. , Hood Wendy R.
Published: April 2024

Migration is one of the most energy-demanding behaviors observed in birds. Mitochondria are the primary source of energy used to support these long-distance movements, yet how mitochondria meet the energetic demands of migration is scarcely studied. We quantified changes in mitochondrial respiratory performance in the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), which has a migratory and non-migratory subspecies. We hypothesized that the long-distance migratory Gambel’s subspecies (Z. l. gambelii) would show higher mitochondrial respiratory performance compared to the non-migratory Nuttall’s subspecies (Z. l. nuttalli). We sampled Gambel’s individuals during spring pre-migration, active fall migration, and a period with no migration or breeding (winter). We sampled Nuttall’s individuals during periods coinciding with fall migration and the winter period of Gambel’s annual cycle. Overall, Gambel’s individuals had higher citrate synthase, a proxy for mitochondrial volume, than Nuttall’s individuals. This was most pronounced prior to and during migration. We found that both OXPHOS capacity (state 3) and basal respiration (state 4) of mitochondria exhibit high seasonal flexibility within Gambel’s individuals, with values highest during active migration. These values in Nuttall’s individuals were most similar to Gambel’s individuals in winter. Our observations indicate that seasonal changes in mitochondrial respiration play a vital role in migration energetics.
Risk factors and predictive nomograms for bedside emergency endoscopic treatment following endotracheal intubation in cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding
Authors: Zeng Ajuan , Li Yangjie , Lyu Lingna , Zhang Shibin , Zhang Yuening , Ding Huiguo , Li Lei
Published: April 2024

Data on emergency endoscopic treatment following endotracheal intubation in patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) remain limited. This retrospective study aimed to explore the efficacy and risk factors of bedside emergency endoscopic treatment following endotracheal intubation in severe EGVB patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit. A total of 165 EGVB patients were enrolled and allocated to training and validation sets in a randomly stratified manner. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors to construct nomograms for predicting the prognosis related to endoscopic hemostasis failure rate and 6-week mortality. In result, white blood cell counts (p = 0.03), Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score (p = 0.001) and comorbid shock (p = 0.005) were selected as independent clinical predictors of endoscopic hemostasis failure. High CTP score (p = 0.003) and the presence of gastric varices (p = 0.009) were related to early rebleeding after emergency endoscopic treatment. Furthermore, the 6-week mortality was significantly associated with MELD scores (p = 0.002), the presence of hepatic encephalopathy (p = 0.045) and postoperative rebleeding (p < 0.001). Finally, we developed practical nomograms to discern the risk of the emergency endoscopic hemostasis failure and 6-week mortality for EGVB patients. In conclusion, our study may help identify severe EGVB patients with higher hemostasis failure rate or 6-week mortality for earlier implementation of salvage treatments.
Gaze patterns reflect the retrieval and selection of memories in a context-dependent object location retrieval task
Authors: Paeng Somang , Kim Hyoung F.
Published: April 2024

Selective retrieval of context-relevant memories is critical for animal survival. A behavioral index that captures its dynamic nature in real time is necessary to investigate this retrieval process. Here, we found a bias in eye gaze towards the locations previously associated with individual objects during retrieval. Participants learned two locations associated with each visual object and recalled one of them indicated by a contextual cue in the following days. Before the contextual cue presentation, participants often gazed at both locations associated with the given object on the background screen (look-at-both), and the frequency of look-at-both gaze pattern increased as learning progressed. Following the cue presentation, their gaze shifted toward the context-appropriate location. Interestingly, participants showed a higher accuracy of memory retrieval in trials where they gazed at both object-associated locations, implying functional advantage of the look-at-both gaze patterns. Our findings indicate that naturalistic eye movements reflect the dynamic process of memory retrieval and selection, highlighting the potential of eye gaze as an indicator for studying these cognitive processes.
Stability and inter-family associations of hair endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamines across the perinatal period in mothers, fathers, and children
Authors: Bergunde L. , Steudte-Schmiedgen S. , Karl M. , Jaramillo I. , Gao W. , von Soest T. , Garthus-Niegel S.
Published: April 2024

Analysis of endocannabinoids (ECs) and N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) in hair is assumed to retrospectively assess long-term EC/NAE concentrations. To inform their use, this study investigated stability of EC/NAE hair concentrations in mothers, fathers, and their children across the perinatal period as well as associations between family members. In a prospective cohort study, EC (AEA, 1-AG/2-AG) and NAE (SEA, PEA, OEA) levels were quantified in hair samples taken four times in mothers (n = 336) and their partners (n = 225) from pregnancy to two years postpartum and in offspring (n = 319) from shortly after birth to two years postpartum. Across the perinatal period, maternal and paternal hair ECs/NAEs showed poor multiple-test consistency (16–36%) and variable relative stability, as well as inconsistent absolute stability for mothers. Regarding children, hair ECs/NAEs evidenced poor multiple-test consistency (4–19%), no absolute stability, and either no or variable relative stability. Hair ECs/NAEs showed small to medium significant associations across the perinatal period within couples and parent–child dyads. Findings suggest hair ECs/NAEs during the perinatal period possess variable stability in adults, albeit more stability in fathers than mothers in this time. This highlights the need to further investigate factors associated with changes in hair ECs/NAEs across time. The first two years of life may be a dynamic phase for the endocannabinoid system in children, potentially characterized by complex within-family correspondence that requires further systematic investigation.
Autonomous quantum heat engine based on non-Markovian dynamics of an optomechanical Hamiltonian
Authors: Rasola Miika , Möttönen Mikko
Published: April 2024

We propose a recipe for demonstrating an autonomous quantum heat engine where the working fluid consists of a harmonic oscillator, the frequency of which is tuned by a driving mode. The working fluid is coupled two heat reservoirs each exhibiting a peaked power spectrum, a hot reservoir peaked at a higher frequency than the cold reservoir. Provided that the driving mode is initialized in a coherent state with a high enough amplitude and the parameters of the utilized optomechanical Hamiltonian and the reservoirs are appropriate, the driving mode induces an approximate Otto cycle for the working fluid and consequently its oscillation amplitude begins to increase in time. We build both an analytical and a non-Markovian quasiclassical model for this quantum heat engine and show that reasonably powerful coherent fields can be generated as the output of the quantum heat engine. This general theoretical proposal heralds the in-depth studies of quantum heat engines in the non-Markovian regime. Further, it paves the way for specific physical realizations, such as those in optomechanical systems, and for the subsequent experimental realization of an autonomous quantum heat engine.
Characterization and identification of sources of rust resistance in Triticum militinae derivatives
Authors: Chowdhury Saikat , Bansal Shreshtha , Jha Shailendra K. , Saharan M. S. , M. Niranjana , K. Raghunandan , Choudhary Manish K. , Agarwal Priyanka , Mallick Niharika , Vinod
Published: April 2024

Triticum militinae (2n = 4X = 28, AtAtGG), belonging to the secondary gene pool of wheat, is known to carry resistance to many diseases. Though some disease resistance genes were reported from T. timopheevii, the closest wild relative of T. militinae, there are no reports from T. militinae. Twenty-one T. militinae Derivatives (TMD lines) developed at the Division of Genetics, IARI, New Delhi, were evaluated for leaf and stripe rusts at seedling and adult plant stages. Eight TMD lines (6–4, 6–5, 11–6, 12–4, 12–8, 12–12, 13–7 and 13–9) showed seedling resistance to both leaf and stripe rusts while six TMD lines (7–5, 7–6, 11–5, 13–1, 13–3 and 13–4) showed seedling resistance to leaf rust but adult plant resistance to stripe rust and three TMD lines (9–1, 9–2 and 15) showed seedling resistance to leaf rust but susceptibility to stripe rust. Three TMD lines (2–7, 2–8 and 6–1) with adult plant resistance to leaf and stripe rusts were found to carry the known gene Lr34/Yr18. Ten TMD lines (7–5, 7–6, 9–1, 9–2, 11–5, 11–6, 12–12, 12–4, 12–8, and 15) with seedling resistance to leaf rust, showing absence of known genes Lr18 and Lr50 with linked markers requires further confirmation by the test of allelism studies. As not a single stripe rust resistance gene has been reported from T. militinae or its close relative T. timpopheevii, all the 8 TMD lines (6–4, 6–5, 11–6,12–4, 12–8, 12–12, 13–7 and 13–9) identified of carrying seedling resistance to stripe rust and 3 TMD lines (13–1, 13–3 and 13–4) identified of carrying adult plant resistance to stripe rust are expected to carry unknown genes. Also, all the TMD lines were found to be cytologically stable and thus can be used in inheritance and mapping studies.
The other-race effect of pupil contagion in infancy
Authors: Tsuji Yuki , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: April 2024

Pupil contagion refers to the observer’s pupil-diameter changes in response to changes in the pupil diameter of others. Recent studies on the other-race effect on pupil contagion have mainly focused on using eye region images as stimuli, revealing the effect in adults but not in infants. To address this research gap, the current study used whole-face images as stimuli to assess the pupil-diameter response of 5–6-month-old and 7–8-month-old infants to changes in the pupil-diameter of both upright and inverted unfamiliar-race faces. The study initially hypothesized that there would be no pupil contagion in either upright or inverted unfamiliar-race faces, based on our previous finding of pupil contagion occurring only in familiar-race faces among 5–6-month-old infants. Notably, the current results indicated that 5–6-month-old infants exhibited pupil contagion in both upright and inverted unfamiliar-race faces, while 7–8-month-old infants showed this effect only in upright unfamiliar-race faces. These results demonstrate that the face inversion effect of pupil contagion does not occur in 5–6-month-old infants, thereby suggesting the presence of the other-race effect in pupil contagion among this age group. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of the other-race effect on infants’ pupil contagion using face stimuli.
MRI radiomics in head and neck cancer from reproducibility to combined approaches
Authors: Corti Anna , Cavalieri Stefano , Calareso Giuseppina , Mattavelli Davide , Ravanelli Marco , Poli Tito , Licitra Lisa , Corino Valentina D. A. , Mainardi Luca
Published: April 2024

The clinical applicability of radiomics in oncology depends on its transferability to real-world settings. However, the absence of standardized radiomics pipelines combined with methodological variability and insufficient reporting may hamper the reproducibility of radiomic analyses, impeding its translation to clinics. This study aimed to identify and replicate published, reproducible radiomic signatures based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for prognosis of overall survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Seven signatures were identified and reproduced on 58 HNSCC patients from the DB2Decide Project. The analysis focused on: assessing the signatures’ reproducibility and replicating them by addressing the insufficient reporting; evaluating their relationship and performances; and proposing a cluster-based approach to combine radiomic signatures, enhancing the prognostic performance. The analysis revealed key insights: (1) despite the signatures were based on different features, high correlations among signatures and features suggested consistency in the description of lesion properties; (2) although the uncertainties in reproducing the signatures, they exhibited a moderate prognostic capability on an external dataset; (3) clustering approaches improved prognostic performance compared to individual signatures. Thus, transparent methodology not only facilitates replication on external datasets but also advances the field, refining prognostic models for potential personalized medicine applications.
Intrarenal pressure detection during flexible ureteroscopy with fiber optic pressure sensor system in porcine model
Authors: Bai Junjie , Chi Yangjian , Shangguan Tong , Lin Jun , Ye Yushi , Huang Jianfeng , Wen Yahui , Liu Rong , Chen Ru , Cai Weizhong , Chen Jianhui
Published: April 2024

To validate the feasibility of a fiber-optic pressure sensor-based pressure measurement device for monitoring intrarenal pressure and to analyze the effects of ureteral acess sheath (UAS) type, surgical location, perfusion flow rate, and measurement location on intrarenal pressure (IRP). The measurement deviations and response times to transient pressure changes were compared between a fiber-optic pressure sensing device and a urodynamic device IRP in an in vitro porcine kidney and in a water tank. Finally, pressure measurements were performed in anesthetized female pigs using fiber-optic pressure sensing device with different UAS, different perfusion flow rates, and different surgical positions at different renal calyces and ureteropelvic junctions (UPJ). According to our operation, the result is fiber optic pressure sensing devices are highly accurate and sensitive. Under the same conditions, IRP varied among different renal calyces and UPJ (P < 0.05). IRP was lowest at 50 ml/min and highest at 150 ml/min (P < 0.05). Surgical position had a significant effect on IRP (P < 0.05). 12/14 Fr UAS had a lower IRP than 11/13 Fr UAS. Therefore fiber optic pressure sensing devices are more advantageous for IRP measurements. In ureteroscopy, the type of ureteral sheath, the surgical position, the perfusion flow rate, and the location of the measurement all affect the intrarenal pressure value.
Protecting the non-operative lobe/s of the operative lung can reduce the pneumonia incidence after thoracoscopic lobectomy: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Chao , Song Shan , Fu Jianfeng , Zhao Xuelian , Liu Huaqin , Pei Huanshuang , Zhang Shasha , Guo Hongbo , Cui Xinxin
Published: April 2024

Lung isolation usually refers to the isolation of the operative from the non-operative lung without isolating the non-operative lobe(s) of the operative lung. We aimed to evaluate whether protecting the non-operative lobe of the operative lung using a double-bronchial blocker (DBB) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) could reduce the incidence of postoperative pneumonia. Eighty patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 40 each): the DBB with CPAP (Group DBB) and routine bronchial blocker (Group BB) groups. In Group DBB, a 7-Fr BB was placed in the middle bronchus of the right lung for right lung surgery and in the inferior lobar bronchus of the left lung for left lung surgery. Further, a 9-Fr BB was placed in the main bronchus of the operative lung. In Group BB, routine BB placement was performed on the main bronchus on the surgical side. The primary endpoint was the postoperative pneumonia incidence. Compared with Group BB, Group DBB had a significantly lower postoperative pneumonia incidence in the operative (27.5% vs 5%, P = 0.013) and non-operative lung (40% vs 15%) on postoperative day 1. Compared with routine BB use for thoracoscopic lobectomy, using the DBB technique to isolate the operative lobe from the non-operative lobe(s) of the operative lung and providing CPAP to the non-operative lobe(s) through a BB can reduce the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the operative and non-operative lungs.
Ribosomal S6 kinase 2-forkhead box protein O4 signaling pathway plays an essential role in melanogenesis
Authors: Jeung Dohyun , Lee Ga-Eun , Chen Weidong , Byun Jiin , Nam Soo-Bin , Park You-Min , Lee Hye Suk , Kang Han Chang , Lee Joo Young , Kim Kwang Dong , Hong Young-Soo , Lee Cheol-Jung , Kim Dae Joon , Cho Yong-Yeon
Published: April 2024

Although previous studies have examined the signaling pathway involved in melanogenesis through which ultraviolet (UV) or α-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-MSH) stimuli act as key inducers to produce melanin at the stratum basal layer of the epidermis, the signaling pathway regulating melanogenesis is still controversial. This study reports that α-MSH, not UVA and UVB, acted as a major stimulus of melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. Signaling pathway analysis using gene knockdown technology and chemical inhibitors, the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) played an important role in melanogenesis. Unexpectedly, LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, increased melanogenesis without UV or α-MSH stimulation, suggesting that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may not be a major signaling pathway for melanogenesis. Chemical inhibition of the MEKs/ERKs/RSK2 signaling pathway using U0126 or BI-D1870 suppressed melanogenesis by stimulation of UVA or α-MSH stimulation, or both. In particular, the genetic depletion of RSK2 or constitutive active (CA)-RSK2 overexpression showed that RSK2 plays a key role in melanogenesis. Interestingly, forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4) was phosphorylated by RSK2, resulting in the increase of FOXO4’s transactivation activity. Notably, the FOXO4 mutant harboring serine-to-alanine replacement at the phosphorylation sites totally abrogated the transactivation activity and reduced melanin production, indicating that RSK2-mediated FOXO4 activity plays a key role in melanogenesis. Furthermore, kaempferol, a flavonoid inhibiting the RSK2 activity, suppressed melanogenesis. In addition, FOXO4-wt overexpression showed that FOXO4 enhance melanin synthesis. Overall, the RSK2-FOXO4 signaling pathway plays a key role in modulating melanogenesis.
Coordinated response of endemic gastropods to Late Glacial and Holocene climate-driven paleohydrological changes in a small thermal pond of Central Europe
Authors: Gulyás Sándor , Sümegi Pál
Published: April 2024

The thermal spring-fed Lake Pețea located in NW Romania southeast of the city of Oradea harbors a unique endemic warm water biota. It is the only location in Europe where thermal water endemic melanopsid Microcolpia parreyssii (Philippi, 1847) lived along with the highly endangered warm-water relict neritid Theodoxus prevostianus. Lake Petea’s evolution was mainly controlled by major climate-driven hydrological changes also seen in regional records. The hydrological changes were mainly controlled by varying input of thermal water due to recurring increased/decreased recharge of the underground karst water system. The driving factor was warming connected to the interstadial GI 1 increasing recharge by melting of regional ice sheets in the Late Glacial. Conversely, during the Younger Dryas (H0) and the Holocene increasing/decreasing moisture availability was in control. Low stands created multiple bottlenecks reducing genetic variability seen in the appearance of extreme morphologies during next rapid climate melioration. The studied gastropods responded mostly similarly to changes controlling the availability of elements in shell construction and habitat reduction leading to changes in shape, density, size. Periods of lower lake levels and reduced warm water input are characterized by the emergence of elongated tightly coiled shells while globular, compressed loosely coiled shells develop at times of warmer water provision and increased Mg availability. In size there is a contrasting trend. Namely globose Th. prevostianus shells are larger than the elongated ones. Conversely globose, compressed Microcolpia are generally smaller than their elongated spindle-shaped counterparts. In this sense the development of dwarf morphotypes in warmer water habitats is characteristic of Lake Pețea melanopsids. This type of dwarfism i.e. the reduction of shell size is lacking though in Lake Pețea neritids. Our findings also confirm the presence of various ecophenotypes of Microcolpia in the pond degrading our endemic species Mi. parreyssii to a variety of Mi. daudebartii.
Tuning the electronic properties and band offset of h-BN/diamond mixed-dimensional heterostructure by biaxial strain
Authors: Qu Yipu , Xu Hang , Hu Jiping , Wang Fang , Liu Yuhuai
Published: April 2024

The h-BN/diamond mix-dimensional heterostructure has broad application prospects in the fields of optoelectronic devices and power electronic devices. In this paper, the electronic properties and band offsets of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)/(H, O, F, OH)-diamond (111) heterostructures were studied by first-principles calculations under biaxial strain. The results show that different terminals could significantly affect the interface binding energy and charge transfer of h-BN/diamond heterostructure. All heterostructures exhibited semiconductor properties. The h-BN/(H, F)-diamond systems were indirect bandgap, while h-BN/(O, OH)-diamond systems were direct bandgap. In addition, the four systems all formed type-II heterostructures, among which h-BN/H-diamond had the largest band offset, indicating that the system was more conducive to the separation of electrons and holes. Under biaxial strain the bandgap values of the h-BN/H-diamond system decreased, and the band type occurred direct–indirect transition. The bandgap of h-BN/(O, F, OH)-diamond system increased linearly in whole range, and the band type only transformed under large strain. On the other hand, biaxial strain could significantly change the band offset of h-BN/diamond heterostructure and promote the application of this heterostructure in different fields. Our work provides theoretical guidance for the regulation of the electrical properties of h-BN/diamond heterostructures by biaxial strain.
C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 and 7 synergistically control inflammatory monocyte recruitment but the infecting virus dictates monocyte function in the brain
Authors: Winkler Clayton W. , Evans Alyssa B. , Carmody Aaron B. , Lack Justin B. , Woods Tyson A. , Peterson Karin E.
Published: April 2024

Inflammatory monocytes (iMO) are recruited from the bone marrow to the brain during viral encephalitis. C-C motif chemokine receptor (CCR) 2 deficiency substantially reduces iMO recruitment for most, but not all encephalitic viruses. Here we show CCR7 acts synergistically with CCR2 to control this process. Following Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), or La Crosse virus (LACV) infection, we find iMO proportions are reduced by approximately half in either Ccr2 or Ccr7 knockout mice compared to control mice. However, Ccr2/Ccr7 double knockouts eliminate iMO recruitment following infection with either virus, indicating these receptors together control iMO recruitment. We also find that LACV induces a more robust iMO recruitment than HSV-1. However, unlike iMOs in HSV-1 infection, LACV-recruited iMOs do not influence neurological disease development. LACV-induced iMOs have higher expression of proinflammatory and proapoptotic but reduced mitotic, phagocytic and phagolysosomal transcripts compared to HSV-1-induced iMOs. Thus, virus-specific activation of iMOs affects their recruitment, activation, and function.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of treatment-naïve primary osteosarcoma in dogs
Authors: Ammons Dylan T. , Hopkins Leone S. , Cronise Kathryn E. , Kurihara Jade , Regan Daniel P. , Dow Steven
Published: April 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a heterogeneous, aggressive malignancy of the bone that disproportionally affects children and adolescents. Therapeutic interventions for OS are limited, which is in part due to the complex tumor microenvironment (TME). As such, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to describe the cellular and molecular composition of the TME in 6 treatment-naïve dogs with spontaneously occurring primary OS. Through analysis of 35,310 cells, we identified 41 transcriptomically distinct cell types including the characterization of follicular helper T cells, mature regulatory dendritic cells (mregDCs), and 8 tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) populations. Cell-cell interaction analysis predicted that mregDCs and TAMs play key roles in modulating T cell mediated immunity. Furthermore, we completed cross-species cell type gene signature homology analysis and found a high degree of similarity between human and canine OS. The data presented here act as a roadmap of canine OS which can be applied to advance translational immuno-oncology research.
Intra-urban house prices in Madrid following the financial crisis: an exploration of spatial inequality
Authors: Kenyon Gladys Elizabeth , Arribas-Bel Dani , Robinson Caitlin , Gkountouna Olga , Arbués Pelayo , Rey-Blanco David
Published: April 2024

In this paper we explore the temporal dynamics of spatial inequality in housing prices for Madrid, the capital city of Spain. Spatial inequalities are a concerning feature of urban areas across the globe. It has been suggested that within cities housing prices are becoming more geographically unequal over time, particularly since the 2008 housing market crash. However, more evidence is needed at the intra-urban level to understand neighbourhood house price differences in large urban areas. Changes are analysed during a key period of the housing market bust (2010–2015) and boom (2016–2019), using data from a major housing listing portal. Fine grain space-time analysis of the distribution of housing prices supports an increase in spatial inequality and polarisation at the neighbourhood level. Two spatially differentiated housing sub-markets of high- and low-priced housing are identified. The persistence and growth of spatial house price inequality has important societal implications for the wealth gap and segregation of rich and poor in cities.
Platinum-induced upregulation of ITGA6 promotes chemoresistance and spreading in ovarian cancer
Authors: Gambelli Alice , Nespolo Anna , Rampioni Vinciguerra Gian Luca , Pivetta Eliana , Pellarin Ilenia , Nicoloso Milena S , Scapin Chiara , Stefenatti Linda , Segatto Ilenia , Favero Andrea , D’Andrea Sara , Mucignat Maria Teresa , Bartoletti Michele , Lucia Emilio , Schiappacassi Monica , Spessotto Paola , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Giorda Giorgio , Puglisi Fabio , Vecchione Andrea , Belletti Barbara , Sonego Maura , Baldassarre Gustavo
Published: April 2024

Platinum (PT)-resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) grows as a metastatic disease, disseminating in the abdomen and pelvis. Very few options are available for PT-resistant EOC patients, and little is known about how the acquisition of PT-resistance mediates the increased spreading capabilities of EOC. Here, using isogenic PT-resistant cells, genetic and pharmacological approaches, and patient-derived models, we report that Integrin α6 (ITGA6) is overexpressed by PT-resistant cells and is necessary to sustain EOC metastatic ability and adhesion-dependent PT-resistance. Using in vitro approaches, we showed that PT induces a positive loop that, by stimulating ITGA6 transcription and secretion, contributes to the formation of a pre-metastatic niche enabling EOC cells to disseminate. At molecular level, ITGA6 engagement regulates the production and availability of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), over-stimulating the IGF1R pathway and upregulating Snail expression. In vitro data were recapitulated using in vivo models in which the targeting of ITGA6 prevents PT-resistant EOC dissemination and improves PT-activity, supporting ITGA6 as a promising druggable target for EOC patients.
A comparison of molecular iodine evolution on the chemistry of lead and tin perovskites
Authors: Webb Thomas , Haque Saif A.
Published: April 2024

The development of new strategies which target simultaneous adsorption of corrosive iodine (I2), facilitate reduction into I− and reintroduction within the crystal lattice are highly promising for addressing the longevity of perovskite-based devices.
ROS-responsive thermosensitive polypeptide hydrogels for localized drug delivery and improved tumor chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Li Fujiang , Ding Junfeng , Li Zhenyu , Rong Yan , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi
Published: April 2024

A ROS-responsive hydrogel was developed as a platform for co-delivery of a chemotherapeutic drug (DOX), an immunological adjuvant (R848) and an ICB antibody (aPD-1) for combination tumor therapy and prevention of post-operative tumor recurrence.
Engineered coiled-coil HIF1α protein domain mimic
Authors: Britton Dustin , Katsara Olga , Mishkit Orin , Wang Andrew , Pandya Neelam , Liu Chengliang , Mao Heather , Legocki Jakub , Jia Sihan , Xiao Yingxin , Aristizabal Orlando , Paul Deven , Deng Yan , Schneider Robert , Wadghiri Youssef Z. , Montclare Jin Kim
Published: April 2024

Multivalent assembled proteins (MAPs) as protein domain mimics (PDMs) of HIF1α allows for improved tumor targeting.
A MnFe2O4/BiVO4 film photoanode with heterojunction, co-catalytic and photothermal effects for effective solar water oxidation
Authors: Shen Guoqiang , Lu Haijiao , Chen Hao
Published: April 2024

MnFe2O4/BiVO4 film photoanode with heterojunction, co-catalytic and photothermal effects for solar water oxidation.
Integrated synergy: PSF/PANI/GO membranes for dual-action textile dye detoxification
Authors: Tabasum Anila , Siddique Amna , Razzaq Humaira , Nawaz Hafiza Hifza , Razzaque Shumaila , Tahir Saba , Taimur Shaista , Jabeen Nusrat , Shehzadi Samreen
Published: April 2024

Utilizing PSF/PANI/GO membranes for dual-action detoxification of textile dyes demonstrates their integrated synergy, leading to cleaner wastewater in the textile industry.
Recyclable and elastic highly thermally conductive epoxy-based composites with covalent–noncovalent interpenetrating networks
Authors: Luo Fubin , Cui Wenqi , Zou Yingbing , Li Hongzhou , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua
Published: April 2024

Recyclable and elastic highly thermally conductive epoxy-based composites are developed.
Factors that influence general chemistry students’ decision making in study strategies
Authors: Nayyar Pallavi , Demirdöğen Betül , Lewis Scott E.
Published: April 2024

This qualitative study delves into the intricate landscape of general chemistry students' study strategy decision-making processes, examining the guiding factors that shape their choices. Past work in chemistry education has shown that students’ study behaviors are dynamic in nature. Employing self-regulation theory, the study aims to provide a deeper understanding of how students decide to maintain or change their study behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the study processes of nine students enrolled in first-semester general chemistry classroom. The results indicated these students’ study behavior decision-making process was either driven by metacognition or affect. Students who adopted metacognitive decision-making showed evidence of enactment of declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge which could be influenced by either the nature of the content studied (content-driven), or the time-efficiency of the strategies employed (time-driven) during their self-regulation. On the contrary, students who adopted affective decision-making based their choices regarding their study behaviors on the emotional aspects and the value they attribute to the study strategies (intrinsic-value or instrumental-value driven). The findings of the study are foundational yet highlight the nuanced nature of changes and constancy within the study strategy decision-making process. This suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to improve student study behaviors may not yield fruitful outcomes and therefore, distinct methods should be devised to reach students with different decision-making processes.
Insights into the capacity fading and failure mechanism of an O3-NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 layered oxide cathode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Xiaohan , Hou Lijuan , Liu Qi , Zhao Yanshuo , Mu Daobin , Zhao Zhikun , Li Li , Chen Renjie , Wu Feng
Published: April 2024

Low-cost sodium-ion batteries hold great potential for large-scale energy storage owing to the abundance of sodium reserves.
An overview of flood risk components: The Land subsidence case of Pekalongan City
Authors: Putri Shasha Indah Permata , Syakira Hana , Nugroho Eka Oktariyanto , Layaliya Hannah Nuril , Soeharno Agung Wiyono Hadi , Kusuma Muhammad Syahril Badri , Farid Mohammad , Kuntoro Arno Adi , Sidiq Teguh Purnama , Nurmalia Sella Lestari , Widigdo Cayekti , Sadat Sayed Hashmat
Published: April 2024

Pekalongan City is located on the northern coast of Java Island, where climate crises, floods, and tidal waves pose significant threats exacerbated by rising sea levels and land subsidence. This study aims to mitigate of flood future losses and emphasizes its potential as input for Indonesian regulators to enhance current flood hazard classifications. This study conducts a comprehensive flood risk analysis, emphasizing a detailed review of flood hazard classification quantitatively with flood hazard mapping. The results showed flood hazard mapping, comparing NDMA, MPW, and proposed classifications, indicates a tendency for MPW to overestimate hazards, particularly categorizing depths of 0.5 m and above as “High”. The flood depth according to MPW with land subsidence produces a flood inundation area of 14,145 Ha. This shows that land subsidence recorded in risk mapping can increase the overall hazard level. This study proposed flood depth and velocity classification, balancing NDMA’s underestimation and MPW’s overestimation, offering a more comprehensive approach.
Sustainable development goals in Sumatera Island: Poverty, Economic growth, and Environment
Authors: Meinisa Tiara , Azwardi Azwardi
Published: April 2024

This article discusses the three pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): poverty, economic growth, and the environmental quality index (EQI). Utilizing secondary data from the Ministry of Environment and the Central Statistics Agency covering the 2018-2022 period across 10 provinces in Sumatra, the research employs panel data regression and Cartesian analysis techniques. Poverty and economic growth exert partial and simultaneous influences on the environmental quality index. A decrease in poverty correlates with improved environmental quality, likely due to heightened environmental awareness alongside increased prosperity. Conversely, rising economic growth leads to environmental quality deterioration, attributed in part to heightened industrial and transportation activities. Cartesian analysis indicates the Riau Islands Province holds potential as the top-performing region in SDG achievement on Sumatra Island.