bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Progressive Beginning Ends in Reactionary Politics: Bhutto and the Punjab Left
Authors: Sattar Abdul , Hussain Mahboob
Published: December 2023

This research paper examines the significant transformation of the Punjab Left during the turbulent 1970s. It aims to study the rise and subsequent relative decline of the Punjab left in the context of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's emergence and rise to power. Bhutto, who earlier championed socialist ideologies, later turned more reactionary and anti-left through more authoritarian and reactionary politics which has subsequently marginalized the Punjab left and socialist politics at large in Pakistan. This qualitative study uses both primary and secondary sources including archives, newspapers, magazines, reports, interviews books, and articles to explore and analyze how Bhutto responded to the radical demands and politics of the left and how he perceived them as a threat to his politics of populism. This weakening of the Punjab left hindered the project of people-centric politics in Pakistan and paved the way for the restoration of the status quo and elite-driven polity. The paper employs cooptation theory to explain and analyze how elite-led parties appropriate and coopt people’s movement and popular politics. The findings underscore the transformative impact of Bhutto's authoritarian turn on socialist politics, revealing how the weakening of the Punjab left contributed to a setback in people-centric politics, fostering a return to elite-driven politics in Pakistan.
FEATURES OF IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY IN A POPULOUS SUBURBAN VILLAGE OF BAKU
Authors: Asadova U.A.
Published: December 2023

Based on a clinical and epidemiological study of epilepsy among the population in the Mashtagа village of Baku, 79 patients with different forms idiopathic epilepsy (IE) between the ages of 0 and 69 years were identified. One of the feature village”s habitans, concealment of the disease in women, was the reason prevailing male gender over female. Prevalence rate of IE in the region amounted to 1.7 per 1000 of population. In ethnic subpopulations it was to 2.5 per 1000 populations among pasients from hunhar mehelle, to 0.7 – from kechan mehelle to 1.1 – from seidler mehelle. Prevalence rate of IE in non-indigenous inhabitants amounted to 2.3 per 1000 of population. The development of IE in the population was influenced by such ethnocultural features of the indigenous population as the concealment by the parents of the disease in the child and the conclusion of marriages between consanguineous couples within the ethnic group.
Educational Leadership at Chinese Universities: Exploring New Perspectives from Postmodernism and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Authors: Cui Xuanwei
Published: December 2023

Global economic integration and the ongoing advancement of information technology have brought about rapid and profound transformations in Chinese society. The growing population of postmodernist university students in China is one of the most important factors advancing societal progress. The thesis of the current study is that educators at Chinese universities should exercise transformational and participative leadership to assist their students in succeeding in life. The contribution of the current study lies in not only introducing both the theories of postmodernism and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to the realm of higher education management in China but also adding to higher education’s theories of social psychology and offering a practical approach to leadership for higher education in China.
A new amphibious tetrapod from the Greenlandic Eotriassic
Authors: Bjerring Hans C.
Published: December 2023

The cranial anatomy, especially the allostotic parts, of a new tetrapod genus, Aquiloniferus, is described on the basis of four specimens from the Lower Triassic of central East Greenland at Kap Stosch. These specimens were studied briefly in the mid-1930s and assigned to four species of the trematosaur genus Lyrocephalus WIMAN. Herein it is suggested that only a single species, A. kochi, existed in this region, belonging to the Capitosauroidea.
A rede organizacional de acolhimento de refugiados em Portugal: uma análise pela ótica da governança multinível
Authors: Rocha Muniz Joanna
Published: December 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a rede organizacional de acolhimento de refugiados e requerentes de asilo em Portugal a partir da perspectiva da governança multinível. Por meio de revisão bibliográfica, análise documental e entrevistas com organizações, buscou-se compreender como são feitas as conexões entre os atores envolvidos, as relações de interdependência e a capilaridade de suas ações. Ao mapear o cenário português de governança é possível concluir que, embora exista uma crescente participação das organizações locais, os principais tomadores de decisão ainda se situam em nível nacional.
Cuidadoras de casas-lar em Curitiba, Brasil: os sentidos de suas escolhas
Authors: Pereira Ana Maria Silvello , Tamanini Marlene
Published: December 2023

O artigo se limita aos sentidos das escolhas que as mulheres cuidadoras constroem em relação às crianças e aos adolescentes que são acolhidos em casas-lar. Por meio de pesquisa qualitativa, analisa as motivações delas, para ingressarem neste cuidado institucionalizado, tais como: renda, conciliação entre trabalho e maternidade, cuidado de seus filhos e amor por crianças e adolescentes em situação de abandono. Conclui-se que, não obstante ser uma política pública, esta atividade se apoia na continuidade entre ser mulher e saber cuidar. Assim, deslocam-se os sentidos da política pública tal como preconizada, para praticá-la com base nos ideais de amor e maternidade.
Decoupling of Majorana bound states in T-shaped double-quantum-dot structure with ferromagnetic leads
Authors: Dai Xue-Feng , Gong Tong ,   College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
Published: December 2023

The significant potential applications of Majorana bound state (MBS) in topological quantum computing manifest the importance and necessity of relevant in-depth research. To understand the physical properties of MBS, the most practical approach is to integrate it to a mesoscopic circuit and then investigate its quantum transport behaviors. In this work, we investigate the transport properties in the systems with MBS, and provide theoretical support for its further understanding and detection, by utilizing the nonequilibrium Green’s function method and scattering matrix theory. Specifically, we investigate theoretically the transport properties in a T-shaped double-quantum dot structure, by considering MBS to be coupled to the dot in the main channel, which shows that in the linear transmission region, when the level of side-coupled dot is tuned to the Fermi energy level, the contribution of MBS to the conductance is eliminated under weak and strong Coulomb interaction. The side-coupled dot is far away from the Fermi energy level, leading to different results. When Majorana zero mode is added, the linear conductance is independent of the level of the side-coupled quantum dot, and the conductance plateau appears. However, with coupling between the MBSs, the linear conductance is the same as that without coupling between the MBSs. The decoupling phenomenon of the MBS remains strong. Therefore, the signature of the MBS can be eliminated by adjusting the level of the side-coupled quantum dot or the inter-MBS coupling. When ferromagnetic leads are introduced, the appearance or disappearance of the conductance plateau is clearly dependent on the difference between the magnetic field direction and the lead polarization direction in the system, whereas the decoupling behavior of the MBS is still existent. This work contributes to further explaining the decoupling phenomenon of MBSs in a T-shaped double-quantum-dot system, and presents a theoretical approach to more in-depth understanding and detection of the MBS.
The gene expression landscape of the human locus coeruleus revealed by single-nucleus and spatially-resolved transcriptomics
Authors: Weber Lukas M. , Divecha Heena R. , Tran Matthew N. , Kwon Sang Ho , Spangler Abby , Montgomery Kelsey D. , Tippani Madhavi , Bharadwaj Rahul , Kleinman Joel E. , Page Stephanie C. , Hyde Thomas M. , Collado-Torres Leonardo , Maynard Kristen R. , Martinowich Keri , Hicks Stephanie C.
Published: December 2023

Norepinephrine (NE) neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) make long-range projections throughout the central nervous system, playing critical roles in arousal and mood, as well as various components of cognition including attention, learning, and memory. The LC-NE system is also implicated in multiple neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Importantly, LC-NE neurons are highly sensitive to degeneration in both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Despite the clinical importance of the brain region and the prominent role of LC-NE neurons in a variety of brain and behavioral functions, a detailed molecular characterization of the LC is lacking. Here, we used a combination of spatially-resolved transcriptomics and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to characterize the molecular landscape of the LC region and the transcriptomic profile of LC-NE neurons in the human brain. We provide a freely accessible resource of these data in web-accessible and downloadable formats.
CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown of ESR1 in preoptic GABA-kisspeptin neurons suppresses the preovulatory surge and estrous cycles in female mice
Authors: Clarkson Jenny , Yip Siew Hoong , Porteous Robert , Kauff Alexia , Heather Alison K. , Herbison Allan E.
Published: December 2023

Evidence suggests that estradiol-sensing preoptic area GABA neurons are involved in the pre-ovulatory surge mechanism necessary for ovulation. In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 editing was used to achieve a 60-70% knockdown in estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) expression by GABA neurons located within the region of the rostral periventricular of the third ventricle (RP3V) and medial preoptic nuclei (MPN) in adult female mice. Mice exhibited variable reproductive phenotypes with the only significant finding being those mice with bilateral ESR1 deletion in RP3V GABA neurons that had reduced cFos expression in GnRH neurons at the time of the surge. One sub-population of RP3V GABA neurons expresses kisspeptin. Re-grouping ESR1-edited mice on the basis of their RP3V kisspeptin expression revealed a highly consistent phenotype; mice with a near complete loss of kisspeptin immunoreactivity displayed constant estrus and failed to exhibit surge activation but retained pulsatile LH secretion. These observations demonstrate ESR1-expressing GABA-kisspeptin neurons in the RP3V are essential for the murine preovulatory LH surge mechanism.
Serotonergic amplification of odor-evoked neural responses maps flexibly onto behavioral outcomes
Authors: Bessonova Yelyzaveta , Raman Barani
Published: December 2023

Behavioral responses to many odorants are not fixed but vary based on organismal needs. How such variations arise and the role of various neuromodulators in achieving flexible neural-to-behavioral mapping is not fully understood. In this study, we examined how serotonin modulates the neural and behavioral responses to odorants in locusts (
Schistocerca americana
). Our results indicated that serotonin can increase or decrease appetitive behavior in an odor-specific manner. On the other hand, in the antennal lobe, serotonergic modulation non-selectively enhanced odor-evoked response strength but left the temporal features and the combinatorial response profiles unperturbed. This result suggests that serotonin facilitates sensitive and robust recognition of odorants. Nevertheless, the uniform neural response amplification appeared to be at odds with the observed stimulus-specific behavioral modulation. We show that a simple linear model with neural ensembles segregated based on behavioral relevance is sufficient to explain the serotonin-mediated flexible mapping between neural and behavioral responses.
mTORC1/S6K1 signaling promotes sustained oncogenic translation through modulating CRL3IBTK-mediated ubiquitination of eIF4A1 in cancer cells
Authors: Jiao Dongyue , Sun Huiru , Zhao Xiaying , Chen Yingji , Lv Zeheng , Shi Qing , Li Yao , Wang Chenji , Gao Kun
Published: December 2023

Enhanced protein synthesis is a crucial molecular mechanism that allows cancer cells to survive, proliferate, metastasize, and develop resistance to anti-cancer treatments, and often arises as a consequence of increased signaling flux channeled to mRNA-bearing eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F). However, the post-translational regulation of eIF4A1, an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and subunit of the eIF4F complex, is still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that IBTK, a substrate-binding adaptor of the Cullin 3-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL3) complex, interacts with eIF4A1. The non-degradative ubiquitination of eIF4A1 catalyzed by the CRL3IBTK complex promotes cap-dependent translational initiation, nascent protein synthesis, oncogene expression, and cervical tumor cell growth both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we show that mTORC1 and S6K1, two key regulators of protein synthesis, directly phosphorylate IBTK to augment eIF4A1 ubiquitination and sustained oncogenic translation. This link between the CRL3IBTK complex and the mTORC1/S6K1 signaling pathway, which is frequently dysregulated in cancer, represents a promising target for anti-cancer therapies.
Natural forgetting reversibly modulates engram expression
Authors: O’Leary James D. , Bruckner Rasmus , Autore Livia , Ryan Tomás J.
Published: December 2023

Memories are stored as ensembles of engram neurons and their successful recall involves the reactivation of these cellular networks. However, significant gaps remain in connecting these cell ensembles with the process of forgetting. Here, we utilized a mouse model of object memory and investigated the conditions in which a memory could be preserved, retrieved, or forgotten. Direct modulation of engram activity via optogenetic stimulation or inhibition either facilitated or prevented the recall of an object memory. In addition, through behavioral and pharmacological interventions, we successfully prevented or accelerated forgetting of an object memory. Finally, we showed that these results can be explained by a computational model in which engrams that are subjectively less relevant for adaptive behavior are more likely to be forgotten. Together, these findings suggest that forgetting may be an adaptive form of engram plasticity which allows engrams to switch from an accessible state to an inaccessible state.
Hypothalamic representation of the imminence of predator threat detected by the vomeronasal organ in mice
Authors: Nguyen Quynh Anh Thi , Rocha Andrea , Yamashita Yuna , Chhor Ricky , Stadler Christian , Pontrello Crystal , Haga-Yamanaka Sachiko
Published: December 2023

Animals have the innate ability to select optimal defensive behavioral outputs with an appropriate intensity in response to predator threat in specific contexts. Such innate behavioral decisions are thought to be computed in the medial hypothalamic nuclei that contain neural populations directly controlling defensive behavioral outputs. The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is one of the major sensory input channels through which predator cues are detected with ascending inputs to the medial hypothalamic nuclei, especially to the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). Here, we show that cat saliva contains predator cues that signal imminence of predator threat and regulate the robustness of freezing behavior through the VNO in mice. Cat saliva activates neurons expressing the V2R-A4 subfamily of sensory receptors, suggesting the existence of specific receptor groups responsible for freezing behavior induced by the predator cues. The number of VNO neurons activated in response to saliva correlates with the freshness of saliva and the intensity of freezing behavior, while the downstream neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) and VMH are quantitatively equally activated by fresh and old saliva. Strikingly, however, only the number of VMH neurons activated by fresh saliva positively correlates with intensity of freezing behavior. Detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of fresh and old saliva-responding neurons revealed a neuronal population within the VMH that is more sensitive to fresh saliva than old saliva. Taken together, this study demonstrates that predator cues in cat saliva change over time and differentially activate the sensory-to-hypothalamus pathway. More specifically, the imminent predator signal predominantly activates V2R-A4 receptors, which results in the activation of freezing-correlated neurons in the VMH. In contrast, the less imminent predator signal activates V2R-A4 receptors to a lesser extent, which in turn results in the activation of distinct populations of neurons in the VMH that are not correlated to freezing.
The evolution of transposable elements in Brachypodium distachyon is governed by purifying selection, while neutral and adaptive processes play a minor role
Authors: Horvath Robert , Minadakis Nikolaos , Bourgeois Yann , Roulin Anne C
Published: December 2023

Understanding how plants adapt to changing environments and the potential contribution of transposable elements (TEs) to this process is a key question in evolutionary genomics. While TEs have recently been put forward as active players in the context of adaptation, few studies have thoroughly investigated their precise role in plant evolution. Here, we used the wild Mediterranean grass Brachypodium distachyon as a model species to identify and quantify the forces acting on TEs during the adaptation of this species to various conditions, across its entire geographic range. Using sequencing data from more than 320 natural B. distachyon accessions and a suite of population genomics approaches, we reveal that putatively adaptive TE polymorphisms are rare in wild B. distachyon populations. After accounting for changes in past TE activity, we show that only a small proportion of TE polymorphisms evolved neutrally (<10%), while the vast majority of them are under moderate purifying selection regardless of their distance to genes. TE polymorphisms should not be ignored when conducting evolutionary studies, as they can be linked to adaptation. However, our study clearly shows that while they have a large potential to cause phenotypic variation in B. distachyon, they are not favored during evolution and adaptation over other types of mutations (such as point mutations) in this species.
How to navigate fieldwork
Authors: Péter Hella
Published: December 2023

A PhD student recounts what she has learned from managing her ADHD between the office and the rainforest.
Dark kinase annotation, mining, and visualization using the Protein Kinase Ontology
Authors: Soleymani Saber , Gravel Nathan , Huang Liang-Chin , Yeung Wayland , Bozorgi Elika , Bendzunas Nathaniel G. , Kochut Krzysztof J. , Kannan Natarajan
Published: December 2023

The Protein Kinase Ontology (ProKinO) is an integrated knowledge graph that conceptualizes the complex relationships among protein kinase sequence, structure, function, and disease in a human and machine-readable format. In this study, we have significantly expanded ProKinO by incorporating additional data on expression patterns and drug interactions. Furthermore, we have developed a completely new browser from the ground up to render the knowledge graph visible and interactive on the web. We have enriched ProKinO with new classes and relationships that capture information on kinase ligand binding sites, expression patterns, and functional features. These additions extend ProKinO’s capabilities as a discovery tool, enabling it to uncover novel insights about understudied members of the protein kinase family. We next demonstrate the application of ProKinO. Specifically, through graph mining and aggregate SPARQL queries, we identify the p21-activated protein kinase 5 (PAK5) as one of the most frequently mutated dark kinases in human cancers with abnormal expression in multiple cancers, including a previously unappreciated role in acute myeloid leukemia. We have identified recurrent oncogenic mutations in the PAK5 activation loop predicted to alter substrate binding and phosphorylation. Additionally, we have identified common ligand/drug binding residues in PAK family kinases, underscoring ProKinO’s potential application in drug discovery. The updated ontology browser and the addition of a web component, ProtVista, which enables interactive mining of kinase sequence annotations in 3D structures and Alphafold models, provide a valuable resource for the signaling community. The updated ProKinO database is accessible at https://prokino.uga.edu.
Schrödinger’s yeast: the challenge of using transformation to compare fitness among Saccharomyces cerevisiae that differ in ploidy or zygosity
Authors: Sandell Linnea , König Stephan G. , Otto Sarah P.
Published: December 2023

How the number of genome copies modifies the effect of random mutations remains poorly known. In yeast, researchers have investigated these effects for knock-out or other large-effect mutations, but have not accounted for differences at the mating-type locus. We set out to compare fitness differences among strains that differ in ploidy and/or zygosity using a panel of spontaneously arising mutations acquired in haploid yeast from a previous study. To ensure no genetic differences, even at the mating-type locus, we embarked on a series of transformations, which first sterilized and then temporarily introduced plasmid-borne mating types. Despite these attempts to equalize the haplotypes, fitness variation introduced during transformation swamped the differences among the original mutation-accumulation lines. While colony size looked normal, we observed a bi-modality in the maximum growth rate of our transformed yeast and determined that many of the slow growing lines were respiratory deficient (“petite”). Not previously reported, we found that yeast that were TID1/RDH54 knockouts were less likely to become petite. Even for lines with the same petite status, however, we found no correlation in fitness between the two replicate transformations performed. These results pose a challenge for any study using transformation to measure the fitness effect of genetic differences among strains. By attempting to hold haplotypes constant, we introduced more mutations that overwhelmed our ability to measure fitness differences between the genetic states. In this study, we transformed over one hundred different lines of yeast, using two independent transformations, and found that this common laboratory procedure can cause large changes to the microbe studied. Our study provides a cautionary tale of the need to use multiple transformants in fitness assays.
Acute heat priming promotes short-term climate resilience of early life stages in a model sea anemone
Authors: Glass Benjamin H. , Jones Katelyn G. , Ye Angela C. , Dworetzky Anna G. , Barott Katie L.
Published: December 2023

Across diverse taxa, sublethal exposure to abiotic stressors early in life can lead to benefits such as increased stress tolerance upon repeat exposure. This phenomenon, known as hormetic priming, is largely unexplored in early life stages of marine invertebrates, which are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic climate change. To investigate this phenomenon, larvae of the sea anemone and model marine invertebrate Nematostella vectensis were exposed to control (18 °C) or elevated (24 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, or 39 °C) temperatures for 1 h at 3 days post-fertilization (DPF), followed by return to control temperatures (18 °C). The animals were then assessed for growth, development, metabolic rates, and heat tolerance at 4, 7, and 11 DPF. Priming at intermediately elevated temperatures (24 °C, 30 °C, or 35 °C) augmented growth and development compared to controls or priming at 39 °C. Indeed, priming at 39 °C hampered developmental progression, with around 40% of larvae still in the planula stage at 11 DPF, in contrast to 0% for all other groups. Total protein content, a proxy for biomass, and respiration rates were not significantly affected by priming, suggesting metabolic resilience. Heat tolerance was quantified with acute heat stress exposures, and was significantly higher for animals primed at intermediate temperatures (24 °C, 30 °C, or 35 °C) compared to controls or those primed at 39 °C at all time points. To investigate a possible molecular mechanism for the observed changes in heat tolerance, the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was quantified at 11 DPF. Expression of HSP70 significantly increased with increasing priming temperature, with the presence of a doublet band for larvae primed at 39 °C, suggesting persistent negative effects of priming on protein homeostasis. Interestingly, primed larvae in a second cohort cultured to 6 weeks post-fertilization continued to display hormetic growth responses, whereas benefits for heat tolerance were lost; in contrast, negative effects of short-term exposure to extreme heat stress (39 °C) persisted. These results demonstrate that some dose-dependent effects of priming waned over time while others persisted, resulting in heterogeneity in organismal performance across ontogeny following priming. Overall, these findings suggest that heat priming may augment the climate resilience of marine invertebrate early life stages via the modulation of key developmental and physiological phenotypes, while also affirming the need to limit further anthropogenic ocean warming.
Priorização do meio ambiente em empresas que divulgam relatórios GRI no Brasil: uma questão estratégica?
Authors: Trindade Lucas Xavier , Braga Robson
Published: December 2023

O artigo teve como objetivo identificar uma possível relação entre a priorização do meio ambiente e de seus interesses e as abordagens de regulamentação ambiental pública e privada em empresas que divulgaram relatórios GRI no Brasil. Foram analisados os indicadores de desempenho ambiental presentes nos relatórios publicados em 2018 por 102 empresas existentes no Brasil por meio de modelos de Mínimos Quadrados Ordinários (MQO). Ambas as regulamentações têm relação positiva e significativa com a priorização do meio ambiente. Essa relação apresentou níveis que variam conforme o interesse ambiental específico. Conclui-se que a associação voluntária à alguma regulamentação privada multistakeholder pode representar um esforço de tentativa de diferenciação. Mais do que apenas conformidade, a priorização do meio ambiente e de seus interesses indica ser uma questão estratégica.
Assessment of Artisanal Fisheries Activities among Fisherfolks in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Y. S.  , Ekundayo T.  , Maradun H. F.  , Tambari B. M.  , Ejezie B. C.  , Yahaya M. M.  , Ukwenya I. I.
Published: December 2023

Fish is a veritable source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial to metabolic activities in human system. This study assessed artisanal fishery activities among fisherfolks in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of artisanal fisherfolks, examined the fishing practices employed by the artisanal fisherfolk, examined the fisherfolk’s perception on current level of fish production and investigated the problems/challenges facing artisanal fishing activities in the study area. A well-structured interview schedule (questionnaire) was used to elicit information from 110 artisanal fisherfolk randomly selected in the study area. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics in form of frequencies and percentages. Findings from the study showed that fishing in the study area was dominated by males (90) representing 81.8% of the respondents, and 33.6% of the respondents were in the youthful age bracket of 36-45 years of age. In addition, majority of the respondents have formal education, with 30.9% of them having completed secondary school, while 59.1% of the respondents were married. Furthermore, majority of the respondents (73.6%) took artisanal fishing as their main source of livelihood. The fishing systems employed by the artisanal fisherfolk included the use of canoes and motorized boats with those using canoes dominating (80.9%). This data already revealed that 73.6% of the respondents are into artisanal fishing for job creation which have reduced migration to urban cities and increase economic activities in their communities, thereby providing skilled and unskilled jobs and foreign exchange for the country while reducing youthful restiveness and anti-social activities. Young entrepreneurs have seen this opportunity, as seen in the result of this study, and are taking it up as a viable business. However, the study revealed that the fisherfolks in the study area usually lack basic social amenities and employ the most traditional gears and crafts in the fishing activity, and therefore, there is need for government to intervene and provide the most basic social amenities like roads and electricity to the communities.
Botox Treatment: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mukherjee Jayanti , Naresh V. , Krishna A. Sri , Boggula Narender , Rao T. Rama
Published: December 2023

An exotoxin called botulinum toxin, or Botox, is isolated from Clostridium botulinum. It prevents the cholinergic nerve end plates from releasing acetylcholine, which causes the innervated muscles or glands to become inactive. Botox has proven to be effective for improving facial cosmetics, but new research has shown that it can also be used to treat a variety of surgical and medical disorders that aren't cosmetic. This article examines the available data regarding Botox use for non-cosmetic head and neck problems too. Because of its quick, distinct and long-lasting outcomes for the reduction of facial fine lines and wrinkles and cosmetic rejuvenation, injectable treatments like botulinum toxin are gaining popularity. Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can also be treated with Botox. Botox treatment can reduce the frequency of migraines, with chronic migraines requiring treatment in every three months. Additionally, Botox can help in reducing urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder. However, the usage of pure botulinum toxin dosages employed by certified healthcare professionals are strictly to be done under the stringent medical guidelines. When handled properly, botulinum toxins utilized in medicine are non- hazardous.
Modeling Total Electron Content and Critical Frequency at F1 and E Layer Boundary
Authors: Drabo Kadidia Nonlo , Konate Moustapha , Nakolemda Roger , Sawadogo Gedeon , Nanema Emmanuel , Ouattara Frederic
Published: December 2023

This work investigates the variation of the total electron content TEC and the critical frequency fo in the boundary zone of the F1 and E layers at the low-latitude in the ionosphere. This study takes place at the Ouagadougou station (12.4°N and 358.5°E), in West Africa during the quiet geomagnetic activity of solar cycle 23. Ionosphere is the upper layer of the Earth's atmosphere ionized mainly by solar X- and UV-rays, extending from around 80km altitude up to 1000km [1] [2]. Ultraviolet light from the sun ionizes the atoms and molecules in the Earth's upper atmosphere [3]. For this study we use the 2016 version of International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model. The quiet periods of maximum and minimum phase of solar cycle 23 are considered [4] [5]. From this study, it emerges that at the E and F1 layer boundary zone, TEC and fo increase during the day as solar irradiance increases and decrease as solar irradiance decreases.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Surface Soil in Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh for Agricultural Production
Authors: Morya Rahul , Trivedi S. K. , Yadav Sushil Kumar , Gurjar Narendra Singh , Bhargava Anjali
Published: December 2023

Looking at the crop production and soil related constraints in different village of Ashoknagar District of Madhya Pradesh we found it important to characterize the soils of the village. For this purpose, one hundred twenty-five GPS-based surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from five blocks (Mungaoli, Chanderi, Ishagarh, Ashoknagar and Sadora) of Ashoknagar district from April to May 2017-2018. Soils were studied for their physical and chemical characteristics - status of sand,silt,clay percent varied from 36.6-56.7%, 3.9-38% and 25.2-42.4%, with the mean value of 47.5%, 17.2% or 35.1%, respectively and soil pH, EC, OC, Calcium carbonate, total Nitrogen or available sulphur were observed in the range of 7.2– 8.6, 0.32 - 0.62dSm‑1, 2.14 - 7.06 gkg-1, 0.5 –3.5 %  0.01-0.24 % and 4.36 – 40.25 mg kg-1under different villages of the investigated area with the average value of 8.0, 0.45dSm‑1, 4.35gkg-1, 1.7% and 0.11 %,14.68 mg kg-1 respectively. The availability of sulphur increased with an increase in organic carbon and clay content in the soil.
Genetic Variability and Heritability of Medium Maturity Group’s Soybean (Glycine max (L.)) Genotypes at Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Berhanu Habte , Lule Dagnachew , Tesso Bulti
Published: December 2023

Field experiment was conducted to assess the extent of genetic variability and heritability in soybean genotypes for yield and its related traits. A total of thirty six soybean genotypes were evaluated using simple lattice design at Fedis eastern Ethiopia. Data were recorded for major quantitative traits and analyzed using appropriate statistical R-software. Analysis of variance revealed that the genotypes were highly significant for all the traits studied, indicating the existence of considerable magnitude of variability. High broad sense heritability estimate coupled with relatively high genetic advance as percentage of mean were computed for pods/plant, plant height, grain yield and primary branches/plant. Moderate to high genetic advance as percent of mean was estimated from the present result days to maturity, primary branches/plant, plant height, pods/plant, seeds/pod, hundred seeds weight and grain yield were recording  high genetic advance as percent of mean, while days to flowering and secondary branches/plant estimated moderate genetic advance as percent of mean. High values of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad sense heritability (H2), and genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) were estimated for plant height, primary branches per plant, pod per plant, seeds per pod, and grain yield indicating the ease of direct selection for the improvement of these traits. Hence, selection for these traits is likely to be effective as high heritability values were associated with high genetic advance as percent of means in the improvement of the performance of the soybean genotypes. As a result breeder can improve the tested soybean genotypes through plant height, number of pods/plant, number of primary branches/plant and grain yield.
Advancements in Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production: A Review
Authors: Nemade Seema , Ninama Jigyasa , Kumar Sushant , Pandarinathan S. , Azam Kamaran , Singh Balwant , Ratnam Kobagapu Mani
Published: December 2023

This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in agronomic practices that contribute to sustainable crop production. In the context of escalating global food demand, climate change, and environmental concerns, sustainable agriculture has become a pivotal focus. This paper systematically examines the evolution of agronomic practices from traditional methods to contemporary innovations, highlighting the integration of technology, sustainability, and socio-economic factors in modern agriculture. The historical perspective of agronomic practices reveals a transition from rudimentary, labor-intensive methods to technologically driven, precision-based approaches. Traditional practices, while sustainable, often faced limitations in scalability and efficiency. The advent of the Green Revolution marked a significant shift, introducing high-yield crop varieties and synthetic inputs. However, the long-term ecological impacts of these methods prompted a reevaluation towards more sustainable practices. Contemporary advancements in agronomy are largely characterized by precision agriculture, which employs satellite and drone technology, sensor-based monitoring systems, and AI applications. These tools have revolutionized farming by enabling precise resource management and data-driven decision-making. In tandem, the rise of organic farming and integrated pest management reflects a growing emphasis on ecological balance and reduced chemical inputs. The paper also delves into the crucial role of education and extension services in disseminating modern agronomic knowledge, particularly in developing regions. Government policies and international regulations are analyzed for their impact on promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, the review addresses the vital aspect of environmental sustainability, focusing on strategies for carbon footprint reduction, biodiversity preservation, and ecosystem services enhancement. Technological innovations, especially in genetics and digital tools, are identified as key drivers in shaping future agronomic practices. The potential of CRISPR in crop improvement and the application of big data and IoT in farming are discussed as future trends.
YAP1 Recognizes Inflammatory and Mechanical Cues to Exacerbate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via Promoting Cell Survival and Fibrosis
Authors: Lin Dongxu , Luo Changcheng , Wei Pengyu , Zhang An , Zhang Mengyang , Wu Xiaoliang , Deng Bolang , Li Zhipeng , Cui Kai , Chen Zhong
Published: December 2023

Chronic prostatic inflammation promotes cell survival and fibrosis, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with aggravated urinary symptoms. It is investigated whether yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1), an organ size controller and mechanical transductor, is implicated in inflammation‐induced BPH. The correlation between YAP1 expression and fibrosis in human and rat BPH specimens is analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of YAP1 activation on prostatic cell survival and fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanism, are also studied. As a result, total and nuclear YAP1 expression, along with downstream genes are significantly upregulated in inflammation‐associated human and rat specimens. There is a significant positive correlation between YAP1 expression and the severity of fibrosis or clinical performance. YAP1 silencing suppresses cell survival by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis, and alleviates fibrosis by reversing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in prostatic BPH‐1 and WPMY‐1 cells. Mechanistically, inflammatory stimulus and rigid matrix stiffness synergistically activate the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway to provoke cytoskeleton remodeling, thereby promoting YAP1 activation to exacerbate BPH development. Overall, inflammation‐triggered mechanical stiffness reinforcement activates the RhoA/ROCK1/F‐actin/YAP1 axis, thereby promoting prostatic cell survival and fibrosis to accelerate BPH progression.
Tau‐neurodegeneration mismatch reveals vulnerability and resilience to comorbidities in Alzheimer's continuum
Authors: Lyu Xueying , Duong Michael Tran , Xie Long , de Flores Robin , Richardson Hayley , Hwang Gyujoon , Wisse Laura E. M. , DiCalogero Michael , McMillan Corey T. , Robinson John L. , Xie Sharon X. , Lee Edward B. , Irwin David J. , Dickerson Bradford C. , Davatzikos Christos , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Yushkevich Paul A. , Wolk David A. , Das Sandhitsu R. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

Variability in relationship of tau‐based neurofibrillary tangles (T) and neurodegeneration (N) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) arises from non‐specific nature of N, modulated by non‐AD co‐pathologies, age‐related changes, and resilience factors.

METHODS

We used regional T‐N residual patterns to partition 184 patients within the Alzheimer's continuum into data‐driven groups. These were compared with groups from 159 non‐AD (amyloid “negative”) patients partitioned using cortical thickness, and groups in 98 patients with ante mortem MRI and post mortem tissue for measuring N and T, respectively. We applied the initial T‐N residual model to classify 71 patients in an independent cohort into predefined groups.

RESULTS

AD groups displayed spatial T‐N mismatch patterns resembling neurodegeneration patterns in non‐AD groups, similarly associated with non‐AD factors and diverging cognitive outcomes. In the autopsy cohort, limbic T‐N mismatch correlated with TDP‐43 co‐pathology.

DISCUSSION

T‐N mismatch may provide a personalized approach for determining non‐AD factors associated with resilience/vulnerability in AD.
A geospatial and archaeological investigation of an African–American cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Wall John , Bohnenstiehl DelWayne R. , Levine Norman S. , Millhauser John K. , McGill Dru E. , Wegmann Karl W. , Melomo Vincent
Published: December 2023

Oberlin Cemetery, located near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, was founded in 1873 following the American Civil War (1861–1865). This 3.2 ac (~1.29 ha) parcel of land served as the main cemetery for the people of Oberlin Village—the largest freedmen's community in Wake County. Today, descendants of the village founders and other neighbourhood residents, organized as the Friends of Oberlin Village (FOV), are preserving this community landmark and working to have its historical significance recognized. In support of these efforts, terrestrial laser scanning, global‐positioning‐system‐enabled pedestrian and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were conducted during the winter and summer of 2016. We inventoried 276 formal grave markers identifying 221 individuals, 296 elongate depressions without a formal marker interpreted as sunken graves, and 130 fieldstones interpreted as burial markers, resulting in an estimate of 517‐to‐660 persons interred within the cemetery. The GPR survey supported the interpretation of topographic depressions as sunken graves; however, the undulating topography, as well as the density of trees and shrubs, limited this survey to ~12% of the site. Based on the birth dates listed on monuments, ~23% of these persons were born before the end of the Civil War. Death dates show the community's continued use of the cemetery throughout the early 1970s and less frequent use after that, with the most recent burials in 2009. A comparison with a 2012 inventory of monuments within Oberlin Cemetery suggests that ~3% of the markers were lost or displaced in 4 years, highlighting the importance of survey and preservation efforts. This work contributed to the FOV's successful nomination of the cemetery to the US National Register of Historic Places and was used to support several grants received for its preservation.
An improved estimate of daily precipitation from the ERA5 reanalysis
Authors: Lavers David A. , Hersbach Hans , Rodwell Mark J. , Simmons Adrian
Published: December 2023

Precipitation is an essential climate variable and a fundamental part of the global water cycle. Given its importance to society, precipitation is often assessed in climate monitoring activities, such as in those led by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). To undertake these activities, C3S predominantly uses ERA5 reanalysis precipitation. Research has shown that short‐range forecasts for precipitation made from this reanalysis can provide valuable estimates of the actual (observed) precipitation in extratropical regions but can be less useful in the tropics. While some of these limitations will be reduced with future reanalyses because of the latest advancements, there is potentially a more immediate way to improve the precipitation estimate. This is to use the precipitation modelled in the Four‐Dimensional Variational (4D‐Var) data assimilation window of the reanalysis, and it is the aim of this study to evaluate this approach. Using observed 24‐h precipitation accumulations at 5637 stations from 2001 to 2020, results show that smaller root‐mean‐square errors (RMSEs) and mean absolute errors are generally found by using the ERA5 4D‐Var precipitation. For example, for all available days from 2001 to 2020, 87.5% of stations have smaller RMSEs. These improvements are driven by reduced random errors in the 4D‐Var precipitation because it is better constrained by observations, which are themselves sensitive to or influence precipitation. However, there are regions (e.g., Europe) where larger biases occur, and via the decomposition of the Stable Equitable Error in Probability Space score, this is shown to be because the 4D‐Var precipitation has a wetter bias on ‘dry’ days than the standard ERA5 short‐range forecasts. The findings also highlight that the 4D‐Var precipitation does improve the discrimination of ‘heavy’ observed events. In conclusion, an improved ERA5 precipitation estimate is largely obtainable, and these results could prove useful for C3S activities and for future reanalyses, including ERA6.
Residue analysis and dietary risk assessment of abamectin in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria
Authors: Luo Xiaorong , Zhang Changpeng , Luo Yuqin , Fang Nan , Wang Xiangyun , He Hongmei , Jiang Jinhua , Chen Yuting , Cai Zhendong , Zhao Xueping
Published: December 2023

To clarify the residue behavior and possible dietary risk of abamectin in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria, a method was developed for the simultaneous determination of abamectin residues in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria by QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The mean recovery of abamectin in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria was 86.48%–107.80%, and the relative standard deviation was 2.07%–10.12%. The detection rates of abamectin residues in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria were 62.50%, 87.50%, and 80.00%, respectively. The residues of abamectin in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria were not more than 0.020, 0.019, and 0.087 mg/kg, respectively. Based on these results, dietary risk assessment showed that the risk content of abamectin residues in long‐ and short‐term dietary exposure for Chinese consumers was 61.57% and 0.41%–1.11%, respectively, indicating that abamectin in fresh corn, bitter melon, and Fritillaria in the market would not pose a significant risk to consumers.
‘We need community’: Bridging the path to desistance from crime with community football
Authors: Newson Martha , Peitz Linus , Gitsham Honor , Imada Hiro , Abrams Dominic
Published: December 2023

Recidivism costs society, communities, families and individuals. Sport is heralded as an accessible way to engage and incentivise people convicted of crime to change their lifestyles. One high‐profile intervention designed to reduce reoffending rates is the Twinning Project, which invites people serving custodial and community sentences to participate in a football‐based programme to gain accredited qualifications with a major football club in their local region. Our primary objective was to investigate how football, which uses some of the biggest brands and regional allegiances in the United Kingdom, might help to bridge the gap between community and paths to desistance. Using a realist approach, we present interview data from people serving sentences in the community and the coaches and probation officers facilitating intervention programmes at two major British football clubs. Specifically, we conducted interviews with staff and service users serving community sentences in a large British city. Based on social identity perspectives on social exclusion/inclusion, we carried out thematic analysis with the focus on social support, social bonding and resulting future orientation. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (a) gaps in social support; (b) coach as a role model; (c) increased future orientation; and (d) new ways forward. These themes evidenced the struggles people often face before entering the justice system as well as the capacity of high‐level coaching around a meaningful shared social identity to reduce the salience of these hurdles and elicit a sense of optimism towards the future. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.