bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principled distillation of UK Biobank phenotype data reveals underlying structure in human variation
Authors: Carey Caitlin E. , Shafee Rebecca , Wedow Robbee , Elliott Amanda , Palmer Duncan S. , Compitello John , Kanai Masahiro , Abbott Liam , Schultz Patrick , Karczewski Konrad J. , Bryant Samuel C. , Cusick Caroline M. , Churchhouse Claire , Howrigan Daniel P. , King Daniel , Davey Smith George , Neale Benjamin M. , Walters Raymond K. , Robinson Elise B.
Published: July 2024

Data within biobanks capture broad yet detailed indices of human variation, but biobank-wide insights can be difficult to extract due to complexity and scale. Here, using large-scale factor analysis, we distill hundreds of variables (diagnoses, assessments and survey items) into 35 latent constructs, using data from unrelated individuals with predominantly estimated European genetic ancestry in UK Biobank. These factors recapitulate known disease classifications, disentangle elements of socioeconomic status, highlight the relevance of psychiatric constructs to health and improve measurement of pro-health behaviours. We go on to demonstrate the power of this approach to clarify genetic signal, enhance discovery and identify associations between underlying phenotypic structure and health outcomes. In building a deeper understanding of ways in which constructs such as socioeconomic status, trauma, or physical activity are structured in the dataset, we emphasize the importance of considering the interwoven nature of the human phenome when evaluating public health patterns.
Renal autocrine neuropeptide FF (NPFF) signaling regulates blood pressure
Authors: Lee Hewang , Amatya Bibhas , Villar Van Anthony M. , Asico Laureano D. , Jeong Jin Kwon , Feranil Jun , Moore Shaun C. , Zheng Xiaoxu , Bishop Michael , Gomes Jerald P. , Polzin Jacob , Smeriglio Noah , de Castro Pedro A. S. Vaz , Armando Ines , Felder Robin A. , Hao Ling , Jose Pedro A.
Published: July 2024

The kidney and brain play critical roles in the regulation of blood pressure. Neuropeptide FF (NPFF), originally isolated from the bovine brain, has been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, the roles of NPFF and its receptors, NPFF-R1 and NPFF-R2, in the regulation of blood pressure, via the kidney, are not known. In this study, we found that the transcripts and proteins of NPFF and its receptors, NPFF-R1 and NPFF-R2, were expressed in mouse and human renal proximal tubules (RPTs). In mouse RPT cells (RPTCs), NPFF, but not RF-amide-related peptide-2 (RFRP-2), decreased the forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, dopamine D1-like receptors colocalized and co-immunoprecipitated with NPFF-R1 and NPFF-R2 in human RPTCs. The increase in cAMP production in human RPTCs caused by fenoldopam, a D1-like receptor agonist, was attenuated by NPFF, indicating an antagonistic interaction between NPFF and D1-like receptors. The renal subcapsular infusion of NPFF in C57BL/6 mice decreased renal sodium excretion and increased blood pressure. The NPFF-mediated increase in blood pressure was prevented by RF-9, an antagonist of NPFF receptors. Taken together, our findings suggest that autocrine NPFF and its receptors in the kidney regulate blood pressure, but the mechanisms remain to be determined.
Experimental study on the mechanical characteristics of weakly cemented mudstone under different loading rates
Authors: Zou Junpeng , Li Gang , Li Zibo , Zhang Yabing , Liu Hang , Wang Yiming
Published: July 2024

With the gradual shift of coal mining to the western coal mining region of China, floor heave in weakly cemented mudstone roadways has become an issue affecting the safety and efficiency of coal mine production. Additionally, different mining rates can lead to fluctuating support stresses on the roof and floor of weakly cemented mudstone roadways. Therefore, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical properties of weakly cemented mudstone at different loading rates is conducive to improving the issue of floor heave in such roadways and provides a theoretical basis for further study. In this context, a series of uniaxial mechanical tests with concurrent acoustic emission monitoring were conducted on specimens of weakly cemented mudstone under various loading rates (0.005, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mm/s). The stress‒strain and acoustic emission response curves were obtained to effectively characterize the strength, deformation, damage, macroscale instability, and crack propagation characteristics of the mudstone under the influence of loading rate effects. The research results support the following findings: (1) With increasing loading rate, the peak strength and elastic modulus of weakly cemented mudstone significantly increase, while the peak axial strain and peak radial deformation significantly decrease. (2) With increasing loading rate, the stress required to trigger the expansion of weakly cemented mudstone gradually increases, and a significant power-law relationship arises between the strain of the mudstone at the start of expansion and the loading rate. (3) With increasing loading rate, the acoustic emission ringing count of weakly cemented mudstone increases: The failure of weakly cemented mudstone changes from small-range progressive failure to sudden failure, and the failure mode transitions from shear failure to tensile‒shear composite failure. (4) The studied mudstone damage variables increase with increasing loading rate, following an approximate exponential function. The conclusions obtained in this work can provide a theoretical basis for the evolution mechanism and control of floor heave in deep roadway mining.
Association of modifiable metabolic risk factors and lifestyle with all-cause mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hwi Young , Lee Hye Ah , Radu Pompilia , Dufour Jean-François
Published: July 2024

We aimed to investigate the potential impact of metabolic risk factors and lifestyles on mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. From the Korean Central Cancer Registry database (2008–2016), 8,505 HCC patients were included in the analysis. Patients with 2 or more metabolic risk factors (n = 2384, 28.0%) showed significantly worse overall survival (OS, 29 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] 27–33) than patients with 0 (n = 2269 [26.7%]; 41 months, 95% CI 37–47), or 1 (n = 3852 [45.3%]; 42 months; 95% CI 38–46) metabolic risk factor. (P < 0.001) In the multivariable Cox analysis, patients with ≥ 2 metabolic risk factors had significantly elevated risk of overall mortality (adjusted hazards ratio (HR) = 1.14 [95% CI 1.06–1.23], P < 0.001) and HCC-specific mortality (sub-distribution HR = 1.09 [95% CI 1.00–1.09], P = 0.046), compared to those without. Alcohol and smoking were also independent risk factors for worse overall and HCC-specific mortality (all P < 0.05). Metabolic comorbidities were associated with greater risk of mortality in a dose-dependent manner in HCC patients, regardless of tumor stage and liver function. Alcohol intake and smoking significantly increased mortality by themselves and even further with the presence of metabolic risk.
Comprehensive application of AI algorithms with TCR NGS data for glioma diagnosis
Authors: Zhou Kaiyue , Xiao Zhengliang , Liu Qi , Wang Xu , Huo Jiaxin , Wu Xiaoqi , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Feng Xiaohan , Fu Baoyi , Xu Pengfei , Deng Yunyun , Xiao Wenwen , Sun Tao , Da Lin
Published: July 2024

T-cell receptor (TCR) detection can examine the extent of T-cell immune responses. Therefore, the article analyzed characteristic data of glioma obtained by DNA-based TCR high-throughput sequencing, to predict the disease with fewer biomarkers and higher accuracy. We downloaded data online and obtained six TCR-related diversity indices to establish a multidimensional classification system. By comparing actual presence of the 602 correlated sequences, we obtained two-dimensional and multidimensional datasets. Multiple classification methods were utilized for both datasets with the classification accuracy of multidimensional data slightly less to two-dimensional datasets. This study reduced the TCR β sequences through feature selection methods like RFECV (Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation). Consequently, using only the presence of these three sequences, the classification AUC value of 96.67% can be achieved. The combination of the three correlated TCR clones obtained at a source data threshold of 0.1 is: CASSLGGNTEAFF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-1, CASSYSDTGELFF_TRBV6_TRBJ2-2, and CASSLTGNTEAFF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-1. At 0.001, the combination is: CASSLGETQYF_TRBV12_TRBJ2-5, CASSLGGNQPQHF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-5, and CASSLSGNTIYF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-3. This method can serve as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool, facilitating diagnosis and treatment of glioma and other cancers.
Enhancing drought stress tolerance and growth promotion in chiltepin pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) through native Bacillus spp.
Authors: Mendoza-Alatorre Maribel , Infante-Ramírez Rocío , González-Rangel María Olga , Nevárez-Moorillón Guadalupe Virginia , González-Horta María del Carmen , Hernández-Huerta Jared , Delgado-Gardea Ma. Carmen E.
Published: July 2024

The drought can cause a decrease in food production and loss of biodiversity. In northern Mexico, an arid region, the chiltepin grows as a semi-domesticated crop that has been affected in its productivity and yield. An alternative to mitigate the effect of drought and aid in its conservation could be using Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). The present study evaluated the capacity of native Bacillus spp., isolated from arid soils, as PGPBs and drought stress tolerance inducers in chiltepin under controlled conditions. Chiltepin seeds and seedlings were inoculated with native strains of Bacillus spp. isolated from arid soils, evaluating germination, vegetative, and drought stress tolerance parameters. The PGPBs improved vegetative parameters such as height, stem diameter, root length, and slenderness index in vitro. B. cereus (Bc25-7) improved in vitro survival of stressed seedlings by 68% at −1.02 MPa. Under greenhouse conditions, seedlings treated with PGPBs exhibited increases in root length (9.6%), stem diameter (13.68%), leaf fresh weight (69.87%), and chlorophyll content (38.15%). Bc25-7 alleviated severe water stress symptoms (7 days of water retention stress), and isolates B. thuringiensis (Bt24-4) and B. cereus (Bc25-7, and Bc30-2) increased Relative Water Content (RWC) by 51%. Additionally, the treated seeds showed improved germination parameters with a 46.42% increase in Germination Rate (GR). These findings suggest that using PGPBs could be an alternative to mitigate the effect of drought on chiltepin.
A single-cell transcriptomic study of heterogeneity in human embryonic tanycytes
Authors: Bai Yiguang , Chen Qiaoling , Li Yuan
Published: July 2024

Disruptions in energy homeostasis can lead to diseases like obesity and diabetes, affecting millions of people each year. Tanycytes, the adult stem cells in the hypothalamus, play crucial roles in assisting hypothalamic neurons in maintaining energy balance. Although tanycytes have been extensively studied in rodents, our understanding of human tanycytes remains limited. In this study, we utilized single-cell transcriptomics data to explore the heterogeneity of human embryonic tanycytes, investigate their gene regulatory networks, analyze their intercellular communication, and examine their developmental trajectory. Our analysis revealed the presence of two clusters of β tanycytes and three clusters of α tanycytes in our dataset. Surprisingly, human embryonic tanycytes displayed significant similarities to mouse tanycytes in terms of marker gene expression and transcription factor activities. Trajectory analysis indicated that α tanycytes were the first to be generated, giving rise to β tanycytes in a dorsal–ventral direction along the third ventricle. Furthermore, our CellChat analyses demonstrated that tanycytes generated earlier along the developmental lineages exhibited increased intercellular communication compared to those generated later. In summary, we have thoroughly characterized the heterogeneity of human embryonic tanycytes from various angles. We are confident that our findings will serve as a foundation for future research on human tanycytes.
Biostimulant and antagonistic potential of endophytic fungi against fusarium wilt pathogen of tomato Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
Authors: Muhorakeye Marie Cecile , Namikoye Everlyne Samita , Khamis Fathiya M. , Wanjohi Waceke , Akutse Komivi S.
Published: July 2024

Endophytic fungal-based biopesticides are sustainable and ecologically-friendly biocontrol agents of several pests and diseases. However, their potential in managing tomato fusarium wilt disease (FWD) remains unexploited. This study therefore evaluated effectiveness of nine fungal isolates against tomato fusarium wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) in vitro using dual culture and co-culture assays. The efficacy of three potent endophytes that inhibited the pathogen in vitro was assessed against FWD incidence, severity, and ability to enhance growth and yield of tomatoes in planta. The ability of endophytically-colonized tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants to systemically defend themselves upon exposure to FOL were also assessed through defence genes expression using qPCR. In vitro assays showed that endophytes inhibited and suppressed FOL mycelial growth better than entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Endophytes Trichoderma asperellum M2RT4, Hypocrea lixii F3ST1, Trichoderma harzianum KF2R41, and Trichoderma atroviride ICIPE 710 had the highest (68.84–99.61%) suppression and FOL radial growth inhibition rates compared to EPF which exhibited lowest (27.05–40.63%) inhibition rates. Endophytes T. asperellum M2RT4, H. lixii F3ST1 and T. harzianum KF2R41 colonized all tomato plant parts. During the in planta experiment, endophytically-colonized and FOL-infected tomato plants showed significant reduction of FWD incidence and severity compared to non-inoculated plants. In addition, these endophytes contributed to improved growth promotion parameters and yield. Moreover, there was significantly higher expression of tomato defence genes in T. asperellum M2RT4 colonized than in un-inoculated tomato plants. These findings demonstrated that H. lixii F3ST1 and T. asperellum M2RT4 are effective biocontrol agents against FWD and could sustainably mitigate tomato yield losses associated with fusarium wilt.
Characterization, comparison, and phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast genomes of Euphorbia species
Authors: Lee Soo-Rang , Oh Ami , Son Dong Chan
Published: July 2024

The genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) has near-cosmopolitan distribution and serves as a significant resource for both ornamental and medicinal purposes. Despite its economic importance, Euphorbia's taxonomy has long been challenged by the intricate nature of morphological traits exhibiting high levels of convergence. While molecular markers are essential for phylogenetic studies, their availability for Euphorbia has been limited. To address this gap, we conducted comparative analyses focusing on the chloroplast (CP) genomes of nine Euphorbia species, incorporating three newly sequenced and annotated accessions. In addition, phylogenetic informativeness and nucleotide diversity were computed to identify candidate markers for phylogenetic analyses among closely related taxa in the genus. Our investigation revealed relatively conserved sizes and structures of CP genomes across the studied species, with notable interspecific variations observed primarily in non-coding regions and IR/SC borders. By leveraging phylogenetic informativeness and nucleotide diversity, we identified rpoB gene as the optimal candidate for species delimitation and shallow-level phylogenetic inference within the genus. Through this comprehensive analysis of CP genomes across multiple taxa, our study sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics and taxonomic intricacies of Euphorbia, offering valuable insights into its CP genome evolution and taxonomy.
Determination of operation performance indicators of unit for mowing crops with the simultaneous incorporation of their stubble into the soil
Authors: Nadykto Volodymyr , Golub Gennadii , Kukharets Savelii , Kyurchev Volodymyr , Skliar Oleksandr , Hutsol Taras , Glowacki Szymon , Nurek Tomasz , Horetska Iryna , Yakovenko Anatoly
Published: July 2024

When harvesting grain crops and forage grasses using a two-phase method, trailed and/or mounted windrowers are usually used. After their passage, stubble remains on the field, which intensively loses soil moisture under sunlight and wind. To reduce these losses, the stubble, along with the soil, is crushed using disc harrows. Due to the use of two sequentially operating units (harvesting and soil-cultivating), their total operating time increases. This does little to preserve soil moisture in the cultivated field. This article provides an example of a more effective solution to this problem. It consists of using one machine-tractor unit instead of two. The proposed combined unit mows an agricultural crop in one working pass and ensures stubble crushing and incorporation into the top layer of soil. The unit consists of a wheeled tractor with a front hitch linkage, a front windrower and a disc harrow mounted behind the tractor. It has been established that the laboriousness of compiling such a unit, considering the tractor's transformation to reverse, is insignificant and amounts to 1442 person-hours. The use of the new unit assists in reducing soil moisture losses. Over a month, it can reach 4.1–5.2% in absolute terms and 15–45% in relative ones. The combined unit movement velocity should be close to 2.5 m s−1 to ensure such a reduction in soil moisture losses. Combining two technological operations performed by one machine-tractor unit does not impair its reliability. At the same time, there is a reduction in processing time for one field by almost half and a decrease in fuel consumption per unit of performed area by 2.25 times.
Patient self-inflicted lung injury associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum is a risk factor for worse outcomes of severe COVID-19: a case-control study
Authors: Cai Zhigui , Guo Xingxing , Lv Xing , Wu Yunfu , Niu Xiaona , Song Liqiang
Published: July 2024

We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI)-associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum, to reveal its risk factors, and to assess its impact on severe COVID-19 cases. In total, 229 patients were included in this case-control study. They were randomly divided into either the case group or the control group as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The two groups were further analyzed to reveal the risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum (SP/P). Finally, risk factors for death were analyzed in the case group and the relationship between death and SP/P was also analyzed among all patients. The mean age of patients was 59.69 ± 17.01 years, most of them were male (74.2%), and 62.0% of them had comorbidities upon admission. A respiratory rate higher than 30 BPM was a risk factor for SP/P (OR 7.186, 95% CI 2.414–21.391, P < 0.001). Patients with delayed intubation due to early application of HFNC or NIV had a higher mortality rate when they developed SP/P (P < 0.05). Additionally, advanced age increased the risk of death (P < 0.05). Finally, SP/P may be a risk factor for death among patients with severe COVID-19 (OR 2.047). P-SILI occurs in severe COVID-19 with acute respiratory failure. It is necessary to identify the risk factors of P-SILI, the indicators of severe P-SILI, and the preventive measures.
Locus coeruleus contrast and diffusivity metrics differentially relate to age and memory performance
Authors: Bennett Ilana J. , Langley Jason , Sun Andrew , Solis Kitzia , Seitz Aaron R. , Hu Xiaoping P.
Published: July 2024

Neurocognitive aging researchers are increasingly focused on the locus coeruleus, a neuromodulatory brainstem structure that degrades with age. With this rapid growth, the field will benefit from consensus regarding which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics of locus coeruleus structure are most sensitive to age and cognition. To address this need, the current study acquired magnetization transfer- and diffusion-weighted MRI images in younger and older adults who also completed a free recall memory task. Results revealed significantly larger differences between younger and older adults for maximum than average magnetization transfer-weighted contrast (MTC), axial than mean or radial single-tensor diffusivity (DTI), and free than restricted multi-compartment diffusion (NODDI) metrics in the locus coeruleus; with maximum MTC being the best predictor of age group. Age effects for all imaging modalities interacted with sex, with larger age group differences in males than females for MTC and NODDI metrics. Age group differences also varied across locus coeruleus subdivision for DTI and NODDI metrics, and across locus coeruleus hemispheres for MTC. Within older adults, however, there were no significant effects of age on MTC or DTI metrics, only an interaction between age and sex for free diffusion. Finally, independent of age and sex, higher restricted diffusion in the locus coeruleus was significantly related to better (lower) recall variability, but not mean recall. Whereas MTC has been widely used in the literature, our comparison between the average and maximum MTC metrics, inclusion of DTI and NODDI metrics, and breakdowns by locus coeruleus subdivision and hemisphere make important and novel contributions to our understanding of the aging of locus coeruleus structure.
The influence of HKUST-1 and MOF-76 hand grinding/mechanical activation on stability, particle size, textural properties and carbon dioxide sorption
Authors: Zelenka Tomáš , Baláž Matej , Férová Marta , Diko Pavel , Bednarčík Jozef , Királyová Alexandra , Zauška Ľuboš , Bureš Radovan , Sharda Pooja , Király Nikolas , Badač Aleš , Vyhlídalová Jana , Želinská Milica , Almáši Miroslav
Published: July 2024

In this study, we explore the mechanical treatment of two metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), HKUST-1 and MOF-76, applying various milling methods to assess their impact on stability, porosity, and CO2 adsorption capacity. The effects of different mechanical grinding techniques, such as high-energy ball milling and hand grinding, on these MOFs were compared. The impact of milling time, milling speed and ball size during high-energy ball milling was assessed via the Design of Experiments methodology, namely using a 33 Taguchi orthogonal array. The results highlight a marked improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity for HKUST-1 through hand milling, increasing from an initial 25.70 wt.% (5.84 mmol g-1) to 41.37 wt.% (9.40 mmol g-1), marking a significant 38% increase. In contrast, high-energy ball milling seems to worsen this property, diminishing the CO2 adsorption abilities of the materials. Notably, MOF-76 shows resistance to hand grinding, closely resembling the original sample’s performance. Hand grinding also proved to be well reproducible. These findings clarify the complex effects of mechanical milling on MOF materials, emphasising the necessity of choosing the proper processing techniques to enhance their stability, texture, and performance in CO2 capture and storage applications.
High levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may increase the risk of diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Huabin , Wu Junqi , Lin Meili , Hu Yifei , Ma Yongjun
Published: July 2024

Studies have indicated that low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is an important risk factor for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, whether higher HDL-C levels decrease the risk of developing DKD remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between HDL-C levels and DKD risk in individuals with T2D in China. In total, 936 patients with T2D were divided into DKD and non-DKD groups. The association between HDL-C levels and DKD risk was evaluated using logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline curves adjusted for potential confounders. Threshold effect analysis of HDL-C for DKD risk was also performed. Higher HDL-C levels did not consistently decrease the DKD risk. Furthermore, a nonlinear association with threshold interval effects between HDL-C levels and the incidence of DKD was observed. Patients with HDL-C ≤ 0.94 mmol/L or HDL-C > 1.54 mmol/L had significantly higher DKD risk after adjusting for confounding factors. Interestingly, the association between high HDL-C levels and increased DKD risk was more significant in women. A U-shaped association between HDL-C levels and DKD risk was observed; therefore, low and high HDL-C levels may increase the DKD risk in patients with T2D.
Lattice excitations in NdFeO3 through polarized optical spectroscopies
Authors: Gomes M. M. , Vilarinho R. , Zhao H. , Íñiguez-González J. , Mihalik M. , Mihalik M. , Maia A. , Goian V. , Nuzhnyy D. , Kamba S. , Moreira J. Agostinho
Published: July 2024

The possibility of inducing new polar and/or magnetic transient states through the pumping of optical phonons towards the non-linear regime has renewed the scientific interest in orthoferrites. Nonetheless, to perform these studies it is fundamental to have a deep knowledge of the lattice excitations at equilibrium conditions. In this work, we present a complete characterization of the optically-active zone-center phonons in NdFeO3 single crystals at room temperature by means of polarized Raman and infrared spectroscopies. The study is complemented with polarized infrared spectroscopy at 4 K and unpolarized Raman scattering at 10 K. The predicted polar phonons were successfully observed together with some of the crystal-field excitations. First-principles simulations further allow the eigenmode and symmetry assignments of the optical phonons. The calculated atomic motions of each mode are of significant interest, as they are common for all orthoferrites and to most of the large family of orthorhombic Pbnm perovskites.
Asymptomatic herpes simplex virus brain infection elicits cellular senescence phenotypes in the central nervous system of mice suffering multiple sclerosis-like disease
Authors: Duarte Luisa F. , Villalobos Verónica , Farías Mónica A. , Rangel-Ramírez Ma. Andreina , González-Madrid Enrique , Navarro Areli J. , Carbone-Schellman Javier , Domínguez Angélica , Alvarez Alejandra , Riedel Claudia A. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Cáceres Mónica , González Pablo A.
Published: July 2024

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) in animals that parallels several clinical and molecular traits of multiple sclerosis in humans. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection mainly causes cold sores and eye diseases, yet eventually, it can also reach the CNS, leading to acute encephalitis. Notably, a significant proportion of healthy individuals are likely to have asymptomatic HSV-1 brain infection with chronic brain inflammation due to persistent latent infection in neurons. Because cellular senescence is suggested as a potential factor contributing to the development of various neurodegenerative disorders, including multiple sclerosis, and viral infections may induce a premature senescence state in the CNS, potentially increasing susceptibility to such disorders, here we examine the presence of senescence-related markers in the brains and spinal cords of mice with asymptomatic HSV-1 brain infection, EAE, and both conditions. Across all scenarios, we find a significant increases of senescence biomarkers in the CNS with some differences depending on the analyzed group. Notably, some senescence biomarkers are exclusively observed in mice with the combined conditions. These results indicate that asymptomatic HSV-1 brain infection and EAE associate with a significant expression of senescence biomarkers in the CNS.
Magnetically controlled bacterial turbulence
Authors: Beppu K. , Timonen J. V. I.
Published: July 2024

Concentrated active agents can exhibit turbulent-like flows reminiscent of hydrodynamic turbulence. Despite its importance, the influence of external fields on active turbulence remains largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate the ability to control the swimming direction and active turbulence of Bacillus subtilis bacteria using external magnetic fields. The control mechanism leverages the magnetic torque experienced by the non-magnetic, rod-shaped bacteria in a magnetizable medium containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles. This allows aligning individual bacteria with the magnetic field, leading to a nematically aligned state over millimetric scales with minute transverse undulations and flows. Turning off the field releases the alignment constraint, leading to directly observable hydrodynamic instability of the dipole pushers. Our theoretical model predicts the intrinsic length scale of this instability, independent of the magnetic field, and provides a quantitative control strategy. Our findings suggest that magnetic fields and torques can be excellent tools for controlling non-equilibrium phase transitions in active systems.
Towards machine learning-based quantitative hyperspectral image guidance for brain tumor resection
Authors: Black David , Byrne Declan , Walke Anna , Liu Sidong , Di Ieva Antonio , Kaneko Sadahiro , Stummer Walter , Salcudean Tim , Suero Molina Eric
Published: July 2024

Background

Complete resection of malignant gliomas is hampered by the difficulty in distinguishing tumor cells at the infiltration zone. Fluorescence guidance with 5-ALA assists in reaching this goal. Using hyperspectral imaging, previous work characterized five fluorophores’ emission spectra in most human brain tumors.

Methods

In this paper, the effectiveness of these five spectra was explored for different tumor and tissue classification tasks in 184 patients (891 hyperspectral measurements) harboring low- (n = 30) and high-grade gliomas (n = 115), non-glial primary brain tumors (n = 19), radiation necrosis (n = 2), miscellaneous (n = 10) and metastases (n = 8). Four machine-learning models were trained to classify tumor type, grade, glioma margins, and IDH mutation.

Results

Using random forests and multilayer perceptrons, the classifiers achieve average test accuracies of 84–87%, 96.1%, 86%, and 91% respectively. All five fluorophore abundances vary between tumor margin types and tumor grades (p < 0.01). For tissue type, at least four of the five fluorophore abundances are significantly different (p < 0.01) between all classes.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the fluorophores’ differing abundances in different tissue classes and the value of the five fluorophores as potential optical biomarkers, opening new opportunities for intraoperative classification systems in fluorescence-guided neurosurgery.
Label-free visualization of unfolding and crosslinking mediated protein aggregation in nonenzymatically glycated proteins
Authors: Mukunda Darshan Chikkanayakanahalli , Basha Shaik , D'Souza Meagan Gail , Chandra Subhash , Ameera K. , Stanley Weena , Mazumder Nirmal , Mahato Krishna Kishore
Published: July 2024

Probing the nonenzymatic glycation induced protein aggregation by autofluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the supramolecular assembly of surfactant-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes
Authors: dos Santos Silva Araújo Larissa , Chiappisi Leonardo
Published: July 2024

Small-angle neutron scattering experiments reveal that hydrostatic pressure triggers structural reorganization in surfactant-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, leading to significant rigidification of the supramolecular assemblies.
Integrating host and microbiome biology using holo-omics
Authors: Kobel Carl M. , Merkesvik Jenny , Burgos Idun Maria Tokvam , Lai Wanxin , Øyås Ove , Pope Phillip B. , Hvidsten Torgeir R. , Aho Velma T. E.
Published: July 2024

Holo-omics is the use of omics data to study a host and its inherent microbiomes – a biological system known as a “holobiont”.
Atorvastatin-based nanoparticle-decorated glyceryl monostearate as a targeted drug carrier for inhibition of atherosclerosis lesions
Authors: Yadav Sandeep Kumar , Karthik Karri , Mahadevappa Manjunatha , Das Soumen
Published: July 2024

Macrophages play a significant role in various phases of a chronic atherosclerotic plaque of the arterial wall.
OEEFs precisely regulating the propane oxidation reaction catalyzed by O–Fe-corrolazine
Authors: Song Cheng-Cheng , Yang Lei , Yang Wei , Bai Xian , Liang Jin-Xia , Wang Haiyan , Zhu Chun
Published: July 2024

Oriented external electric fields can precisely regulate the oxidation of propane to produce propylene catalyzed by O–Fe-corrolazine under mild conditions.
A heterocyclic strategy for regulating the proportion of type I and type II photodynamic therapy
Authors: Tang Hui , Ma Ning , Liu Xiaochun , Wu Shiyu , Li Hairong , Chen Kangyao , Jiang Yitong , Zhang Yahui , Wang Zhouyu , Yu Xiaoqi
Published: July 2024

(Yield of ROS)TPO > (yield of ROS)TPS > (yield of ROS)TPP, (proportion of type I ROS)TPO > (proportion of type I ROS)TPS > (proportion of type I ROS)TPP.
A concise and stereoselective synthesis of the BCDF tetracyclic ring system of C19-diterpenoid alkaloids
Authors: Yu Fangzhou , Xu Liang
Published: July 2024

A Pd-catalyzed transannular alkenylation synthetic strategy for construction of the BCDF tetracyclic ring system of biologically active aconitine-type C19-diterpenoid alkaloids was successfully developed.
Spinel cobalt-based binary metal oxides as emerging materials for energy harvesting devices: synthesis, characterization and synchrotron radiation-enabled investigation
Authors: Alshanableh Abdelelah , Ocak Yusuf Selim , Aljawrneh Bashar , Albiss Borhan Aldeen , Shawakfehc Khaled , Khane Latif U. , Harfouchee Messaoud , Alrousan Saja
Published: July 2024

The synthesis and synchrotron-based characterization of MCo2O4 with 3d-transition metal ions (Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn) were explored using a hydrothermal process, revealing distinct morphologies and promising potential as counter electrodes for DSSCs.
Regulating energy band alignment for high-performance broadband perovskite photodetectors
Authors: Wu Jun , Miao Yuchen , Qi Xiaorong , Yang Liu , Wang Xu , Zheng Fei , Zhao Feiyu , Zhao Zhenfu , Shafique Shareen , Zhang Houcheng , Hu Ziyang
Published: July 2024

The excellent detection performance of photodetector is realized by adjusting the energy band arrangement at the interface between perovskite and electrode. The optical response mechanism beyond the band gap limit is explained.
Breaking hydrogen-bonds in aqueous electrolytes towards highly reversible zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Yilong , Chen Qianru , Hao Junnan , Jiao Yan
Published: June 2024

An electrolyte additive with uniquely symmetric structure breaks water's hydrogen bonds and modifies the primary solvation structure of Zn2+ in aqueous zinc batteries, enhancing battery performance and stability.
Efficient electrocatalytic nitric oxide reduction to ammonia using manganese spinel oxides
Authors: Niu Zhaodong , Fan Shiying , Li Xinyong
Published: July 2024

CoMn2O4/C is constructed for the electrochemical NO reduction reaction toward NH3, with a maximum NH3 faradaic efficiency of 89.3% at −0.7 V vs. RHE. CoMn2O4/C can promote the hydrogenation of *NO to *NHO (PDS, 0.13 eV) and inhibit the HER.
Dual-benefit strategy for developing an efficient photodetector with prompt response to UV-near IR radiations: in situ synthesis and crystallization through a simple one-step annealing
Authors: Yu Miao , Wan Zhi-Chen , Song Si-Wei , Yang Zhi-Yong , Suzuki Mitsuharu , Yamada Hiroko
Published: July 2024

We fabricated an efficient C8-DPP-BP/G photodetector with prompt response to UV-near IR radiation through a dual-benefit strategy, in situ synthesis and crystallization using a simple one-step annealing technique.
Universal synthesis strategy for preparation of transition metal oxide electrocatalysts doped with noble metal single atoms for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Jingyao , Zhu Yiming , Zhong Xuepeng , Hu Zhiwei , Huang Wei-Hsiang , Pao Chih-Wen , Cheng Hongfei , Alonso-Vante Nicolas , Ma Jiwei
Published: July 2024

A universal salt-template method for the preparation of various noble metals-doped 3d-transition metal oxides electrocatalysts was developed.
Physiology of malate dehydrogenase and how dysregulation leads to disease
Authors: Parente Amy D. , Bolland Danielle E. , Huisinga Kathryn L. , Provost Joseph J.
Published: July 2024

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is pivotal in mammalian tissue metabolism, participating in various pathways beyond its classical roles and highlighting its adaptability to cellular demands. This enzyme is involved in maintaining redox balance, lipid synthesis, and glutamine metabolism and supports rapidly proliferating cells’ energetic and biosynthetic needs. The involvement of MDH in glutamine metabolism underlines its significance in cell physiology. In contrast, its contribution to lipid metabolism highlights its role in essential biosynthetic processes necessary for cell maintenance and proliferation. The enzyme’s regulatory mechanisms, such as post-translational modifications, underscore its complexity and importance in metabolic regulation, positioning MDH as a potential target in metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, the association of MDH with various pathologies, including cancer and neurological disorders, suggests its involvement in disease progression. The overexpression of MDH isoforms MDH1 and MDH2 in cancers like breast, prostate, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, alongside structural modifications, implies their critical role in the metabolic adaptation of tumor cells. Additionally, mutations in MDH2 linked to pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and other metabolic diseases emphasize MDH’s role in metabolic homeostasis. This review spotlights MDH’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target, advocating for further research into its multifunctional roles and regulatory mechanisms in health and disease.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders Journals: An Exploratory Survey of the Recent Literature
Authors: Boult Johanna , Duggar David , Currie Stephanie , Evers Hanna , McLaughlin Blair , Jilla Anna M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Inspired by a preliminary survey of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) literature conducted by Friberg et al. (2014), the current study aimed to expand the original study's findings—that SoTL was rarely published in the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) literature from 2009 to 2013—to the subsequent 8-year period (2014–2021). The latter period was of particular relevance considering the dissolution of one American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)–affiliated publication and the addition of another non–ASHA-affiliated publication during that time.

Method:

Ten peer-reviewed CSD journals and the articles published in them were identified via a survey of the literature that used narrowly defined criteria developed in collaboration with a librarian. Five trained CSD graduate student raters compared a definition of SoTL to article abstracts to determine whether each should have been categorized as SoTL. Part 1 of the study investigated an 8-year time span, Part 2 investigated the remaining nine journals in the subsequent 5 years, and Part 3 investigated publication rates of SoTL in
Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders
(
TLCSD
) alone.

Results:

Part 1 of the study revealed that publication rates of SoTL were extremely low in the 10 surveyed CSD journals in the 8-year time span investigated. A similar and diminishing trend was found in Part 2. Even smaller percentages of journals were dedicated to SoTL. Part 3 confirmed that relatively large amounts of CSD-specific SoTL have been published in
TLCSD
since its inception in 2017.

Conclusions:

As of 2021, SoTL articles continued to be uncommonly published in CSD journals. Until recently, scholarly teachers attempting to apply SoTL in the classroom had limited resources. Beginning in 2017,
TLCSD
has provided an outlet for SoTL, whereas other CSD journals seem to have published less of it. Reform of publication, peer review, tenure, and promotion policies and procedures is called for so that SoTL might be included as a valid scientific endeavor.
Parent-Mediated Intervention for Autistic Children Offered Through In-Person and Telepractice Modalities
Authors: Sundarrajan Madhu , Franco Jessica
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

The COVID-19 pandemic thrust telepractice into the mainstream as a primary service delivery model. While some populations and providers were adversely impacted by this shift, there were some intervention approaches that became even more popular. Parent-mediated intervention (PMI) has been shown to be effective through both in-person and telepractice service delivery models. With PMI, caregivers learn language facilitation strategies and implement them with their child. Project SKILLS (Skills and Knowledge for Language Learning Success) is a PMI program for autistic children funded by a state-level autism grant program. The primary goal of SKILLS is training caregivers in language facilitation techniques to promote communication and language skills. It uses the Project ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communication Teachers) curriculum that is commercially available and supported by previous research. SKILLS also includes variations for neurodiversity-affirming practice and culturally and linguistically diverse families. Project SKILLS has offered both in-person and telepractice delivery since its inception in 2016, making it possible to compare results across the two modalities.

Conclusions:

Project SKILLS has successfully implemented PMI for autistic children through both in-person and telepractice sessions. Clinically, children have made similar gains in social communication and language regardless of the modality. Caregivers also demonstrated similar progress with intervention fidelity, with some added advantages for families participating via telepractice. Telepractice may become a preferred service delivery model of PMI, especially for families living in geographically inaccessible locations with limited access to qualified providers.
Measuring stellar surface rotation and activity with the PLATO mission
Authors: Breton S. N. , Lanza A. F. , Messina S. , Pagano I. , Bugnet L. , Corsaro E. , García R. A. , Mathur S. , Santos A. R. G. , Aigrain S. , Amard L. , Brun A. S. , Degott L. , Noraz Q. , Palakkatharappil D. B. , Panetier E. , Strugarek A. , Belkacem K. , Goupil M.-J , Ouazzani R. M. , Philidet J. , Renié C. , Roth O.
Published: July 2024

The Planetary Transits and Oscillations of stars mission (PLATO) will allow us to measure surface rotation and monitor photometric activity of tens of thousands of main sequence solar-type and subgiant stars. This paper is the first of a series dedicated to the preparation of the analysis of stellar surface rotation and photospheric activity with the near-future PLATO data. We describe in this work the strategy that will be implemented in the PLATO pipeline to measure stellar surface rotation, photometric activity, and long-term modulations. The algorithms are applied on both noise-free and noisy simulations of solar-type stars, which include activity cycles, latitudinal differential rotation, and spot evolution. PLATO simulated systematics are included in the noisy light curves. We show that surface rotation periods can be recovered with confidence for most of the stars with only six months of observations and that the recovery rate of the analysis significantly improves as additional observations are collected. This means that the first PLATO data release will already provide a substantial set of measurements for this quantity, with a significant refinement on their quality as the instrument obtains longer light curves. Measuring the Schwabe-like magnetic activity cycle during the mission will require that the same field be observed over a significant timescale (more than four years). Nevertheless, PLATO will provide a vast and robust sample of solar-type stars with constraints on the activity-cycle length. Such a sample is lacking from previous missions dedicated to space photometry.
Efficiency enhancement of photovoltaic module using bio-based eutectic phase change material: An experimental study
Authors: Salihi Mustapha , El Fiti Maryam , Harmen Yasser , Chhiti Younes , Chebak Ahmed , Jama Charafeddine
Published: July 2024

Photovoltaic cells convert absorbed solar energy into electricity by transforming the incident visible wavelengths of solar radiation on their surface, while the other wavelengths are transformed into thermal energy. However, the main issue they face is the elevated temperature of PV modules during operation, which reduces their energy production efficiency. Thermal control of photovoltaic panels using phase change materials (PCMs) has been a potential solution to overcome this problem and perform as a passive cooling material. In this study, the effectiveness of using a novel bio-based eutectic PCM in thermal regulation and efficiency enhancement of the PV panel was studied experimentally. The prepared PCM was characterized and then integrated onto the backside of the PV module. An indoor experimental study was conducted to compare the performance of PV-PCM with a reference PV panel without PCM. The DSC results revealed that the prepared PCM has an appropriate phase change temperature and latent heat capacity for cooling a PV module. In addition, the incorporation of PCM on the backside of the PV panel (PV-PCM) resulted in a significant reduction in surface temperature by 11.46 °C (14.45 %) compared to the reference PV (PV-ref) panel without PCM. Notably, an increase of 7.23 % in the maximum output power is observed in the PV-PCM system.
Numerical simulation of the flow topology over NREL’s S807 airfoil at different models of turbulence
Authors: Kosiak Pavlo , Yanovych Vitalii , Uruba Václav , Duda Daniel
Published: July 2024

Current numerical simulations investigate subsonic flow around the NREL’s S807 airfoil without an incident angle at Reynolds numbers near 2.8∙105. This work is devoted to the assessment application of various turbulence models for a numerical simulation of the formed flow around the streamlined body in commercial software ANSYS CFX. Namely, we applied Shear Stress Transport fully turbulent model (SST0, Baseline Reynolds stress model (BSL RSM) and SSG RSM for the computation of velocity deficit, degree of turbulence anisotropy, Reynolds stress components, and aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. The obtained results were validated on the basis of hot wire measurement data. Additionally, in order to validate the obtained results, a comparison with the hot-wire experimental data was also carried out. The obtained experimental and calculated data showed some differences in the wake topology. For example, in the case of hot-wire data, there is a smaller velocity deficit and a wider area of perturbation.