bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boron‐Doped Zinc Oxide Electron‐Selective Contacts for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells with Efficiency over 22.0%
Authors: Li Zheng , Xie Anzhi , Nong Qingxian , Sun Yiwei , Cai Haihuai , Chen Zhexi , He Jian , Gao Pingqi
Published: September 2024

The exploration of wide‐bandgap metal compound films with excellent passivation and contact properties on crystalline silicon (c‐Si) surface, as alternatives to traditional‐doped Si thin films, holds significant promise for the future enhancement of c‐Si solar cell efficiency. Herein, conductive boron‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:B) films are deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) process and investigated as electron‐selective contacts, in combination with a thin SiOx passivating interlayer. This combination demonstrates a relative low contact resistivity of ≈2 mΩ cm2 and improved passivation quality. Further application of this SiOx/ZnO:B stack as a full‐area electron‐selective passivating contact in proof‐of‐concept n‐type c‐Si solar cells results in a satisfactory power conversion efficiency of over 22.0%. This electron‐selective passivating contact structure, prepared via low‐temperature, simplified, and the compositionally controlled ALD process, offers a promising pathway for the development of high‐efficiency and low‐cost c‐Si solar cells.
Predictive modeling of compressive strength of geopolymer concrete before and after high temperature applying machine learning algorithms
Authors: Yang Haifeng , Li Hongrui , Jiang Jiasheng
Published: September 2024

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is regarded as a more environmentally friendly construction material compared to conventional cement concrete, and its exceptional environmental capabilities are highly favored by the contemporary construction sector. Studying the mechanical properties of GPC upon exposure to elevated temperatures is a crucial aspect of evaluating structural damage and enhancing fire safety measures. Nevertheless, properly predicting the compressive performance of GPC upon exposure to high temperatures remains a formidable task. This study employs various machine learning techniques, such as single models, integrated models, neural network models, and hybrid models, to predict the compressive strength of GPC from room temperature to 1000°C. The results of each model are summarized, and the significant factors influencing compressive strength are analyzed to evaluate the thermal behavior of GPC. These findings offer recommendations for future in‐depth machine learning applications in the GPC field. The K‐fold cross‐validation shows that the hybrid model genetic algorithm–random forest has the highest prediction accuracy, while the single model performs the worst. Other models also provide favorable prediction results. The feature importance analysis revealed that the compressive strength of GPC is primarily influenced by heating temperature (HT) and hydroxide ion concentration, with fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag content being secondary factors. The partial dependence plot‐2D analysis indicates that as HTs increase, the influence of other variables on GPC compressive strength decreases significantly. These findings can inform the design of GPC mixing ratios for high‐temperature exposure. The machine learning technique proposed in this study accurately predicts GPC compressive strength across various temperatures, reducing experimental time and costs while promoting the GPC sector.
Oberflächlich geschaltet
Authors: Gruber Manuel
Published: September 2024

Molekulare Spinschalter sind seit fast hundert Jahren bekannt. Ihre Reaktion auf verschiedene Anregungen sowie die durch das Schalten veränderbaren physikalischen Eigenschaften machen sie für ein breites Spektrum von Anwendungen attraktiv. Vor kurzem gelang es, einzelne Moleküle kontrolliert zu manipulieren, um damit den Einfluss der lokalen Umgebung auf das Schalten zu verstehen. In der interdisziplinären Zusammenarbeit von Chemie und Physik lassen sich Spinschalter, die auf unterschiedlichen Mechanismen beruhen, entwerfen, synthetisieren und an Oberflächen erproben.
Large D gravity and low D string via α′ corrections
Authors: Ying Shuxuan
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we generalize the correspondence between large D gravity and low D string theory to the most general case, including its T-dual solutions. It is well-known that the large D limit of the Schwarzschild-Tangherlini black hole in gravity becomes a two-dimensional near-horizon geometry. Similarly, the large D limit of its T-dual solution, obtained by the Buscher rules, namely the string black hole with a naked singularity, reduces to a two-dimensional near-singularity geometry. Both of these geometries are described by the two-dimensional low-energy effective action of string theory and are related to each other by scale-factor duality. Secondly, we demonstrate that these near-horizon/singuglarity geometries, including complete α′ corrections, can be described by the two-dimensional Hohm-Zwiebach action. This approach allows for the derivation of non-perturbative and non-singular solutions. Furthermore, the Hohm-Zwiebach action provides a systematic way to investigate the α′-corrected near-horizon/singularity geometries of different kinds of black holes, which are difficult to achieve through the Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) model method.
Holography as homotopy
Authors: Chiaffrino Christoph , Ersoy Talha , Hohm Olaf
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We give an interpretation of holography in the form of the AdS/CFT correspondence in terms of homotopy algebras. A field theory such as a bulk gravity theory can be viewed as a homotopy Lie or L∞ algebra. We extend this dictionary to theories defined on manifolds with a boundary, including the conformal boundary of AdS, taking into account the cyclic structure needed to define an action with the correct boundary terms. Projecting fields to their boundary values then defines a homotopy retract, which in turn implies that the cyclic L∞ algebra of the bulk theory is equivalent, up to homotopy, to a cyclic L∞ algebra on the boundary. The resulting action is the ‘on-shell action’ conventionally computed via Witten diagrams that, according to AdS/CFT, yields the generating functional for the correlation functions of the dual CFT. These results are established with the help of new techniques regarding the homotopy transfer of cyclic L∞ algebras.
Uncertainty Estimation for Dual View X-ray Mammographic Image Registration Using Deep Ensembles
Authors: Walton William C. , Kim Seung-Jun
Published: September 2024

Techniques are developed for generating uncertainty estimates for convolutional neural network (CNN)-based methods for registering the locations of lesions between the craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) mammographic X-ray image views. Multi-view lesion correspondence is an important task that clinicians perform for characterizing lesions during routine mammographic exams. Automated registration tools can aid in this task, yet if the tools also provide confidence estimates, they can be of greater value to clinicians, especially in cases involving dense tissue where lesions may be difficult to see. A set of deep ensemble-based techniques, which leverage a negative log-likelihood (NLL)-based cost function, are implemented for estimating uncertainties. The ensemble architectures involve significant modifications to an existing CNN dual-view lesion registration algorithm. Three architectural designs are evaluated, and different ensemble sizes are compared using various performance metrics. The techniques are tested on synthetic X-ray data, real 2D X-ray data, and slices from real 3D X-ray data. The ensembles generate covariance-based uncertainty ellipses that are correlated with registration accuracy, such that the ellipse sizes can give a clinician an indication of confidence in the mapping between the CC and MLO views. The results also show that the ellipse sizes can aid in improving computer-aided detection (CAD) results by matching CC/MLO lesion detects and reducing false alarms from both views, adding to clinical utility. The uncertainty estimation techniques show promise as a means for aiding clinicians in confidently establishing multi-view lesion correspondence, thereby improving diagnostic capability.
Inflammasome activation aggravates choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Makin Ryan D. , Apicella Ivana , Dholkawala Roshni , Fukuda Shinichi , Hirahara Shuichiro , Hirano Yoshio , Kim Younghee , Nagasaka Ayami , Nagasaka Yosuke , Narendran Siddharth , Pereira Felipe , Varshney Akhil , Wang Shao-bin , Ambati Jayakrishna , Gelfand Bradley D.
Published: September 2024

Inflammasome activation is implicated in diseases of aberrant angiogenesis such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), though its precise role in choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a characteristic pathology of advanced AMD, is ill-defined. Reports on inhibition of inflammasome constituents on CNV are variable and the precise role of inflammasome in mediating pathological angiogenesis is unclear. Historically, subretinal injection of inflammasome agonists alone has been used to investigate retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) degeneration, while the laser photocoagulation model has been used to study pathological angiogenesis in a model of CNV. Here, we report that the simultaneous introduction of any of several disease-relevant inflammasome agonists (Alu or B2 RNA, Alu cDNA, or oligomerized amyloid β (1–40)) exacerbates laser-induced CNV. These activities were diminished or abrogated by genetic or pharmacological targeting of inflammasome signaling constituents including P2rx7, Nlrp3, caspase-1, caspase-11, and Myd88, as well as in myeloid-specific caspase-1 knockout mice. Alu RNA treatment induced inflammasome activation in macrophages within the CNV lesion, and increased accumulation of macrophages in an inflammasome-dependent manner. Finally, IL-1β neutralization prevented inflammasome agonist-induced chemotaxis, macrophage trafficking, and angiogenesis. Collectively, these observations support a model wherein inflammasome stimulation promotes and exacerbates CNV and may be a therapeutic target for diseases of angiogenesis such as neovascular AMD.
Strategic manipulation of preferences in the rank minimization mechanism
Authors: Tasnim Mayesha , Weesie Youri , Ghebreab Sennay , Baak Max
Published: September 2024

We consider one-sided matching problems, where agents are allocated items based on stated preferences. Posing this as an assignment problem, the average rank of obtained matchings can be minimized using the rank minimization (RM) mechanism. RM matchings can have significantly better rank distributions than matchings obtained by mechanisms with random priority, such as Random Serial Dictatorship. However, these matchings are sensitive to preference manipulation from strategic agents. In this work we consider a scenario where agents aim to be matched to their top-n preferred items using the RM mechanism, and strategically manipulate their preferences to achieve this. We derive a best response strategy for an agent to be assigned to their n most preferred items using the Hungarian algorithm, under a simplified cost function. This strategy is then extended to a first-order heuristic strategy for being matched to the top-n items in a setup that minimizes the average rank. Based on this finding, an empirical study is conducted examining the impact of the first-order heuristic strategy. The study utilizes data from both simulated markets and real-world matching markets in Amsterdam, taking into account variations in item popularity, fractions of strategic agents, and the preferences for the n most favored items. For most scenarios, RM yields more rank efficient matches than Random Serial Dictatorship, even when agents apply the first-order heuristic strategy. However, although highly market dependent, the matching performance can become worse when 50% of agents or more want to be matched to their top-1 or top-2 preferred items and apply the first-order heuristic strategy to achieve this.
Automorphisms of Quantum Toroidal Algebras from an Action of the Extended Double Affine Braid Group
Authors: Laurie Duncan
Published: September 2024

We first construct an action of the extended double affine braid group

$$\mathcal {\ddot{B}}$$

B
¨

on the quantum toroidal algebra

$$U_{q}(\mathfrak {g}_{\textrm{tor}})$$

U
q

(

g
tor

)

in untwisted and twisted types. As a crucial step in the proof, we obtain a finite Drinfeld new style presentation for a broad class of quantum affinizations. In the simply laced cases, using our action and certain involutions of

$$\mathcal {\ddot{B}}$$

B
¨

we produce automorphisms and anti-involutions of

$$U_{q}(\mathfrak {g}_{\textrm{tor}})$$

U
q

(

g
tor

)

which exchange the horizontal and vertical subalgebras. Moreover, they switch the central elements C and

$$k_{0}^{a_{0}}\dots k_{n}^{a_{n}}$$

k

0

a
0

⋯

k

n

a
n

up to inverse. This can be viewed as the analogue, for these quantum toroidal algebras, of the duality for double affine braid groups used by Cherednik to realise the difference Fourier transform in his celebrated proof of the Macdonald evaluation conjectures. Our work generalises existing results in type A due to Miki which have been instrumental in the study of the structure and representation theory of

$$U_{q}(\mathfrak {sl}_{n+1,\textrm{tor}})$$

U
q

(

sl

n
+
1
,
tor

)

.
β-glucan nanoparticles alleviate acute asthma by suppressing ferroptosis and DNA damage in mice
Authors: Ebeed Bassam W. , Abdelmawgood Islam Ahmed , Kotb Mohamed A. , Mahana Noha A. , Mohamed Ayman Saber , Ramadan Marwa A. , Badr Abeer Mahmoud , Nasr Manar , Qurani Osama Mohsen , Hamdy Reem Mohamed , El-Hakiem Nada Yasser Abd , Fahim Mariam Khaled , Fekry Mariam Morris , Eid Jehane I.
Published: September 2024

Asthma is a severe respiratory disease marked by airway inflammation, remodeling, and oxidative stress. β-Glucan (BG), a polysaccharide constituent of fungal cellular structures, exhibits potent immunomodulatory activities. The investigational focus was on the anti-asthmatic and anti-ferroptotic properties of beta-glucan nanoparticles (BG-NPs) in a murine model of allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). BG was extracted from Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus), and its BG-NPs were characterized utilizing techniques including FT-IR, UV visible spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, DLS, XRD, and TEM. The Balb/C mice were allocated into five groups: control, untreated asthmatic, dexamethasone (Dexa)-treated (1 mg/kg), BG-treated (100 mg/kg), BG-NPs-treated (45 mg/kg), and BG-treated (100 mg/kg). Treatment with BG-NPs markedly diminished the entry of inflammatory cells into the respiratory passage, serum IgE concentrations, DNA damage, and markers of oxidative stress through the reduction of malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and enhancing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, BG-NPs reduced iron deposition and promoted the transcriptional activity of the GPx4 gene in pulmonary cells, attenuating ferroptosis. The results demonstrated that BG-NPs reduced asthma by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and ferroptosis. Our results suggest that BG-NPs could be used as potential treatments for allergic asthma.

Graphical abstract
“What Is Normal?”: A Qualitative Exploration of Health Practitioners’ Reports of Treating Patients Presenting with Unpleasant Sexual Experiences
Authors: Sharman Rachael , Allen Andrew , van Niekerk Kirstyn , Coles Alexandra , Manocha Ramesh , Foran Therese
Published: September 2024

Sexual health, including sexual pleasure, is fundamental to holistic health and well-being, and is considered an area of priority health in Australia. Despite the importance of sexual functioning, women experience significant gaps in sexual well-being compared to men and often do not seek medical care or treatment. Health practitioners are central to the identification and treatment of sexual dysfunction, including fostering sexual well-being for patients. Despite this, minimal research has explored health practitioners’ experiences in treating reports of unpleasant sex. This study aimed to explore health practitioners’ experiences, responses, and confidence in treating patients presenting for unpleasant sexual experiences. An online, mixed-methods survey was completed by 96 participants. Thematic analysis identified 11 core themes. These themes included five patient centred themes (health risks, diverse sex acts, painful vaginal intercourse, relationship breakdown and violence, unwanted sex) and six health practitioner centred themes (communication and counselling, what is normal, ongoing care and follow up, emotional response, limited practical training, and highly prevalent). Participants described a complex sexual health landscape, with social contexts impacting women’s sexual experiences and engagement in treatment. Additionally, health practitioners reported the need for a biopsychosocial approach to understanding and responding to unpleasant sexual experiences for patients, while simultaneously reporting limited education in this area. Findings reflect the need for health practitioners to be cognisant of matters related to sexual function, consent, coercion, client engagement, and treatment pathways, identifying a need for greater education and holistic approaches to sexual healthcare across medical settings.
Having Reliable Support: A Prerequisite to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health in Young Women with ADHD
Authors: Wallin Karin , Wallin-Lundell Inger , Alehagen Siw , Hanberger Lena , Hultsjö Sally
Published: September 2024

Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may influence sexual behaviors and intimate relationships in young women, resulting in a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy, sexual victimization, and sexual dysfunction. To develop adequate support, the study aimed to describe conceptions of how to promote sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in young women with ADHD. A secondary analysis using phenomenography was performed on qualitative interview data exploring variations of support. The study involved 15 young women with ADHD, aged 15–29 years, and 16 health care professionals, with various professions, working in the fields of gynecology, youth health, and psychiatry. Having reliable support was conceptualized as fundamental for promoting SRH. Access to information concerning SRH and living with ADHD as well as early support from health care contributed to a reliable support enabling self-knowledge and management of sexual relationships. Trustful relationships in health care were perceived as important because of previous experiences of feeling misunderstood and criticized in life, making them feel comfortable discussing SRH. Clinical encounters with a clear structure were further perceived to make information more accessible and clinics that provided appropriate organizational conditions and collaborated with other clinics were described to enhance the availability of support. This study reveals the need for clinics to provide conditions that ensure SRH support is available, accessible, and free of stigmatization. Early intervention programs for young women with ADHD may be considered, offering guidance on SRH issues in both psychiatric and sexual health clinics.
Does Soft Information Mitigate Gender Bias in Corporate Lending?
Authors: Bose Udichibarna , Filomeni Stefano , Tabacco Elena
Published: September 2024

Gender bias in leadership and decision-making is a well-documented and pervasive topic that continues to garner significant attention in academic research and business literature. In this paper, by exploiting a unique proprietary dataset of 550 mid-corporate loan applications managed by a major European bank, we explore how the use of soft information influences lending decisions of female loan officers as compared to their male counterparts. We find that use of soft information reduces information asymmetry which helps female officers in making diligent lending decisions resulting in increased granted credit with a lower default probability. We also investigate gender affinity within the banking organisation and find that female loan approvers are more likely to be supportive of their subordinate female loan officers by approving more credit to the loan applications handled by female loan officers. Finally, we examine the possible mechanisms that can explain these results, and find that female loan officers are able to better collect and use soft information as they cultivate and maintain deeper firm-bank relationships with their clients due to higher threat of losing or being penalized in their jobs for any possible errors. We also rule out any other possible explanations such as differences in workload, work experience, loan officers’ optimism, managerial ability, and screening capabilities between female and male loan officers. Our findings carry important policy implications, reflected in the optimal allocation of capital in the economy and the reduction of gender-related exclusion, which is vital in creating an equitable society and fostering a more ethical and inclusive workplace.
Arithmetization-oriented APN permutations
Authors: Budaghyan Lilya , Pal Mohit
Published: September 2024

Recently, many cryptographic primitives such as homomorphic encryption (HE), multi-party computation (MPC) and zero-knowledge (ZK) protocols have been proposed in the literature which operate on the prime field $${\mathbb {F}}_p$$

F
p

for some large prime p. Primitives that are designed using such operations are called arithmetization-oriented primitives. As the concept of arithmetization-oriented primitives is new, a rigorous cryptanalysis of such primitives is yet to be done. In this paper, we investigate arithmetization-oriented APN functions. More precisely, we investigate APN permutations in the CCZ-classes of known families of APN power functions over the prime field $${\mathbb {F}}_p$$

F
p

. Moreover, we present a class of binomial permutation having differential uniformity at most 5 defined via the quadratic character over finite fields of odd characteristic. Computationally it is confirmed that the latter family contains new APN permutations for some small parameters. We conjecture it to contain an infinite subfamily of APN permutations.
Tiered maize and wheat nutrient removal coefficients estimated from available data
Authors: Ludemann C. I. , Hijbeek R. , van Loon M. P. , Murrell T. S. , Dobermann A. , van Ittersum M. K.
Published: September 2024

Estimates of cropland nutrient budgets at national to global scale generally rely on regional or global mean coefficients for quantifying nutrients removed in crop yield and by-products. Use of such mean values masks the variability in these coefficients. Using maize and wheat as examples, we assessed variation in nutrient removal coefficients, namely harvest index (HI), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations of crop products (Grain N, Grain P and Grain K respectively) and N, P and K concentrations of crop residues (Residue N, Residue P, and Residue K respectively). Variation in these coefficients was assessed by three categories (Tiers) of estimation. Statistical (mixed-effects) and machine learning (random forest regression) models (Tier 3) were used to predict the coefficients using generally available predictor variables at a global level. Mean prediction accuracies (R2) of the mixed-effects and random forest models were 0.32 for maize coefficients and 0.45 for wheat coefficients when based on a random sub-selection of mainly replicated field experiment data. When predictions were applied to on-farm data only, prediction accuracies were lower (mean R2 values of 0.08 and 0.36 for maize and wheat respectively). Variation in, and dearth of on-farm data for the coefficients contributed to these poor prediction accuracies. Until the limitations of on-farm data are overcome, it is recommended to use Tier 2 (regional) coefficient estimates in country and global cropland nutrient balance and nutrient use efficiency estimates. Where Tier 2 values are not available, then global average (Tier 1) coefficients can be used.
Why do phyto- and zooplankton exhibit different patterns of seasonal dynamics in the large Ob river-floodplain system (West Siberia)?
Authors: Yanygina L. V. , Burmistrova O. S. , Kotovshchikov A. V. , K. Shirinina M. , Schletterer M.
Published: September 2024

A floodplain is considered as the basis for high production and biodiversity of large rivers. To test the hypothesis of the determining role of the floodplain as a supplier of plankton to the channel of a large unregulated river, we implemented a three-year study in the Ob river-floodplain (West Siberia, Russia) and revealed that factors of seasonal dynamics and sources of phyto- and zooplankton supply to the channel differed. The riverine phytoplankton was formed mostly in the main river and small side channels. The driving factor of its seasonal dynamics in the main channel and the permanently connected floodplain was water temperature, whereas in mostly isolated floodplain lakes—it was the availability of nutrients. Zooplankton in the channel was largely formed due to “recruits” arrival from the floodplain reaches. Its abundance in the channel with connection to the river-floodplain areas depended on temperature and phytoplankton amount. This study casts a light upon some major factors of seasonal dynamics of phyto- and zooplankton in the river-floodplain systems of large lowland rivers and serves the basis for the development of the flood pulse concept and monitoring program for rivers with a long freeze-up period.
Differential Effects of Ephemeral and Stable Predator Chemical Cues on Spider Antipredator Behaviour
Authors: Narimanov Nijat , Heuschele Jonna M. , Entling Martin H. , Menzel Florian , Mestre Laia
Published: September 2024

Semiochemicals left by predators in their foraging area can be utilised by prey to avoid predation. The range of predators’ chemical cues with contrasting degradation rates might provide information of different quality, potentially allowing prey to differentiate between the immediate and the longer-term presence of predators in a location. So far, knowledge about the roles of volatile versus stable chemical cues in informing predation risk is limited. We here seek to disentangle the role of ephemeral trail pheromones compared to persistent cuticular hydrocarbons of ants (predators) on the antipredator behaviour of juvenile spiders (prey), with the expectation that volatile semiochemicals induce avoidance behaviour in spiders at a higher rate compared to stable cues. We allowed the spiders to choose between sites with and without ant cues separately for volatile trail pheromones and stable hydrocarbons. Unexpectedly, spiders avoided the presence of persistent cuticular hydrocarbons more clearly than the highly volatile trail pheromone. This underscores the widespread impact of these stable cues on the avoidance behaviour of potential intraguild prey. The response to trail pheromones was unclear, possibly because spiders always encounter these cues simultaneously with visual and vibratory cues from ants; hence, trail pheromones may not contain any additional information, hindering the evolution of the ability to detect them.
EYA-1 is required for genomic integrity independent of H2AX signalling in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tatnell Hannah R. , Novakovic Stevan , Boag Peter R. , Davis Gregory M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Resolving genomic insults is essential for the survival of any species. In the case of eukaryotes, several pathways comprise the DNA damage repair network, and many components have high evolutionary conservation. These pathways ensure that DNA damage is resolved which prevents disease associated mutations from occurring in a de novo manner. In this study, we investigated the role of the Eyes Absent (EYA) homologue in Caenorhabditis elegans and its role in DNA damage repair. Current understanding of mammalian EYA1 suggests that EYA1 is recruited in response to H2AX signalling to dsDNA breaks. C. elegans do not possess a H2AX homologue, although they do possess homologues of the core DNA damage repair proteins. Due to this, we aimed to determine if eya-1 contributes to DNA damage repair independent of H2AX.

Methods and results

We used a putative null mutant for eya-1 in C. elegans and observed that absence of eya-1 results in abnormal chromosome morphology in anaphase embryos, including chromosomal bridges, missegregated chromosomes, and embryos with abnormal nuclei. Additionally, inducing different types of genomic insults, we show that eya-1 mutants are highly sensitive to induction of DNA damage, yet show little change to induced DNA replication stress and display a mortal germline resulting in sterility over successive generations.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study suggests that the EYA family of proteins may have a greater involvement in maintaining genomic integrity than previously thought and unveils novel roles of EYA associated DNA damage repair.
Stem the blood flow: beneficial impact of bevacizumab on survival of subventricular zone glioblastoma patients
Authors: Laviv Yosef , Regev Ohad , Kanner Andrew A. , Fichman Susana , Limon Dror , Siegal Tali , Yust-Katz Shlomit , Benouaich-Amiel Alexandra
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Angiogenesis is a crucial step in tumorigenesis of glioblastoma (GBM). Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug, is approved for second-line therapy for GBM. Glioma stem cells, presumably the cell of origin of GBM, take an active role in angiogenesis. The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the brain’s largest reservoir of neural stem cells, and GBM near this region (SVZ GBM) is associated with a poor prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of second-line bevacizumab treatment on survival in patients with SVZ GBM.

Methods

The electronic medical records of adult patients with newly diagnosed SVZ GDM under treated between 1/2011 and 12/2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, surgical, radiological, and outcome parameters were compared between patients treated with bevacizumab after first relapse to patients without such treatment.

Results

The cohort included 67 patients. 45 (67.1%) were treated with bevacizumab after the first relapse while 22 (32.9%) were not. The only statistically significant difference between groups was the rate of re-surgery, which was higher in the non-bevacizumab group (40.9% vs. 15.6%; p = 0.023), indicating that the groups were quite homogenous. In general, bevacizumab as a second-line treatment did not affect OS in SVZ GBM cases. However, it significantly prolongs survival time from 1st relapse by an average of more than 4 months, including after adjustment to re-surgery variable (HR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.94, p = 0.028 and HR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.34–0.97, PV = 0.038; respectively). Furthermore, when adjusting to time from diagnosis to 1st relapse, bevacizumab treatment was also associated with prolonged OS (HR = 0.58; p = 0.043). In a subgroup analysis, comparing patients treated with both re-surgery and bevacizumab to patients treated in any other way, patients with the combined treatment had the longest mean OS of the entire cohort (22.16 ± 7.81 m vs. 13.60 ± 6.86, p = 0.049; HR = 0.361 95%CI 0.108–1.209, p = 0.085).

Conclusions

The use of bevacizumab as a second-line therapy in SVZ GBM cases may positively affect survival after relapse, even when given as a monotherapy. Additionally, in certain yet-to-be-identified sub-populations, bevacizumab may even extend overall survival. Further research is required to accurately identify SVZ GBM patients who would benefit most from anti-angiogenic therapy.
Deformed archaeological remains at Lilybaeum in Western Sicily (southern Italy): possible ground signatures of a missed large earthquake
Authors: Barreca G. , Pepe F. , Sulli A. , Morreale G. , Gambino S. , Morticelli M. Gasparo , Grassi S. , Monaco C. , Imposa S.
Published: September 2024

Archaeoseismic analysis performed in Western Sicily points to deformed archeological remains at Lilybaeum, a Punic coastal city founded in 397 B.C. at the Island’s westernmost edge. Starting from the direct observation of deformed ruins, an interdisciplinary work strategy, which included field-structural analysis, drone-shot high-resolution aerial photogrammetry, and geophysical prospecting, was employed to investigate whether the identified deformations may represent the ground effects of a previously unknown large earthquake in the area. Among the unearthed remains, some mosaics and a stone-paved monumental avenue show evidence of tectonic deformation, being fractured, folded, and uplifted. The trend of folding and fracturing is consistent with the NNW–SSE oriented tectonic max stress axis to which Western Sicily is currently subjected. Displacement along a fracture deforming the Decumanus Maximus together with the finding of a domino-type directional collapse, enable us to interpret the observed deformation as the ground signature of a coseismic slip. The seismic rupture occurred along a previously unmapped deformation front that fits well within the seismotectonic context of Western Sicily. Measured offset, geophysical prospecting, and age-constraints all suggest the possibility that a highly-energetic earthquake nucleated in the area following a coseismic rupture along a NE–SW trending back-verging reverse fault towards the end of the fourth century CE. Since seismic catalogs do not provide evidence of such a large earthquake, this event might represent a missed entry in the historical seismic record. This finding provides constraints to redefine the seismic hazard of Western Sicily, a region where recurrence-time intervals for large earthquakes are still unknown.
Geographical Variation in the Associations Between School Characteristics and Homophobic Bullying: a Contextual Analysis
Authors: Ioverno Salvatore , McCurdy Amy , Russell Stephen T.
Published: September 2024

Homophobic bullying constitutes a serious threat to adolescent well-being and could be understood as an ecological phenomenon, influenced by diverse school, regional, and community contexts. This study examined geographic variations in the relationship between school characteristics and homophobic bullying. Data from 2244 California schools, including student surveys and administrative records, were combined and analyzed using geographically weighted regression (GWR). Results showed that the associations between school characteristics and general victimization were consistent across geographic areas. However, when it came to homophobic bullying, the relationships with school characteristics varied significantly based on location. Notably, regions with high intolerance, urbanity, large school size, and small student–teacher ratios appeared to offer protection against bullying. Additionally, student socioeconomic status influenced bullying in disadvantaged rural schools with limited Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) presence. Ethnic diversity also played a role, with low diversity or dominance of two ethnic groups linked to higher bullying rates.
The “SEP Clock”: A Discussion of First Proton Arrival Times in Wide-Spread Solar Energetic Particle Events
Authors: Posner A. , Richardson I. G. , Strauss R. D.-T.
Published: September 2024

This work analyzes the appearance of wide-spread deka-MeV solar energetic proton (SEP) events, in particular the arrival of the first protons within ≈ 4.5 – 45 MeV measured at Earth–Sun L1, and their relationship with their relative solar source longitude. The definition of “wide-spread SEP event” for this study refers to events that are observed as a 25 MeV proton intensity increase at near 1 AU locations that are separated by at least 130∘ in solar longitude. Many of these events are seen at all three of the spacecraft, STEREO (Solar-Terrestrial Relations Observatory) A, STEREO B, and SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), and may therefore extend far beyond 130∘ in longitude around the Sun. A large subset of these events have already been part of a study by Richardson et al. (Solar Phys., 289, 3059, 2014). The event source region identifications draw from this study; more recent events have also been added. Our focus is on answering two specific questions: (1) What is the maximum longitude over which SEP protons show energy dispersion, i.e., a clear sign of arrival of higher-energy protons before those of lower energy? (2) What implications can be drawn from the ensemble of events observed regarding either direct magnetic connectivity to shocks and/or cross-field transport from the site of the eruption in the onset phase of the event?
Is There a Genetic Relationship Between Chondrules and Matrix?
Authors: van Kooten Elishevah M. M. E. , Brearley Adrian , Ebel Denton S. , Alexander Conel M. O. ’D. , Gemma Marina E. , Hezel Dominik C.
Published: September 2024

Chondritic components such as chondrules and matrix are the key time capsules that can help us understand the evolution and dynamics of the protoplanetary disk from which the Solar System originated. Knowledge of where and how these components formed and to what extent they were transported in the gaseous disk provides major constraints to astrophysical models that investigate planet formation. Here, we explore whether chondrules and matrix are genetically related to each other and formed from single reservoirs per chondrite group or if every chondrite represents a unique proportion of components transported from a small number of formation reservoirs in the disk. These ‘static versus dynamic disk’ interpretations of cosmochemical data have profound implications for the accretion history of the planets in the Solar System. To fully understand the relationship between chondrules and matrix and their potential “complementarity”, we dive into the petrological nature and origin of matrix, the chemical and isotopic compositions of chondrules and matrix and evaluate these data considering the effect of secondary alteration observed in chondrites and the potential complexity of chondrule formation. Even though we, the authors, have used different datasets and arrived at differing interpretations of chondrule-matrix relationships in the past, this review provides clarity on the existing data and has given us new directions towards future research that can resolve the complementarity debate.
Permeabilization of Calendula officinalis L. hairy root cultures for the release of accumulated triterpenoid saponins
Authors: Kamiński Jakub , Bujak Piotr , Długosz Marek
Published: September 2024

Triterpenoid saponins, which are glycosidic derivatives of oleanolic acid, demonstrate numerous pharmacological properties. The hairy root cultures of marigold accumulate these phytoanticipins mainly in vacuoles, which may contain up to 40% of the triterpene glycosides synthesized in the cytoplasm. Dimethyl sulfoxide, Tween 20 (T20), Tween 80 (T80), and Triton X-100 (Tx100) were used as potential surfactants, allowing for an increase in the release of saponin into the culture medium. T20 at concentrations of 0.3–1.0% (v/v) caused a higher saponin content in the liquid medium, from 52 to 61 times for CH9, 15 to 22 times higher for CC16, and seven to twelve times higher for CH2, compared to the respective control cultures. DMSO was efficient toward the CC16 line, providing a 3–7 times higher saponin content for 0.5% and 1.0% (v/v) surfactant concentrations, respectively. The suitability of Triton X-100 for triterpenoid saponin could not be determined with the method used in this experiment, and there was a serious contamination of the analyzed samples. The ultrasound method accelerated surfactant action, and only for the CH9 line did it result in an increase in the secretion of glycosides to almost three-fold in the case of T80 and over two-fold in the case of T20. The conditions that were least harmful for the roots were: ultrasound, Tween 80, and T80 interacting with US. The permeabilized cultures, after 30 days of growth in the new medium, obtained fresh biomasses similar to the control or a reduction by the maximum of one-fifth for CH9. For the second line (CC16), the growth parameters were reduced twice. Polyoxoethylene sorbitan monolaurate was found to be the most powerful surfactant, and a proposed concentration and time of action allowed for culture viability only for the CC16 line. The young parts of the root tips generated a new culture, with the growth being reduced by 77% (FW) and 82% (DW).
Mitigating impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra on virulent Newcastle disease virus challenge in chickens: clinical studies, histopathological alterations and molecular docking
Authors: Haleem Marwa I. Abdel , Gaballa Mohamed M. S. , El-Far Ali H. , Taie Hanan A. A. , Elshopakey Gehad E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Newcastle disease (ND) is widely regarded as one of the most virulent and destructive viral infections that create chaos in the poultry industry and cause widespread epidemics and consequentially debilitating economic losses on a global scale in terms of chicken products. The current experiment evaluates the protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra) against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chickens. Ninety (90) 1-day-old SPF chicks were treated according to ethical approval (BUFVTM 05-02-22) as follows (1) non-treated non-challenged control group; (2) NDV group: Challenged with genotype VII ND virus; and (3) LE/NDV group: Challenged with the virus and intermittently treated with powdered extract of G. glabra roots (LE) in drinking water (0.5 g/L) before and after viral challenge.

Result

The water medication of NDV-challenged chicks has resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms, morbidity, and mortality rates, as well as the quantity of virus shed, compared with the NDV group. Treatment with LE has led to a significant reduction in serum ALT and AST activities, blood glucose level, urea, and creatinine, and significant restoration of serum proteins. In addition, the treatment has resulted in a decrease in MDA and NO levels, as well as an increase in T-SOD and catalase activities compared with untreated challenged chicks. LE decreased IFN-γ and TLR-3 gene expression in comparison with the NDV group. The treated challenged birds had fewer macroscopically detectable lesions in their respiratory, digestive, and lymphoid organs than the untreated challenged birds. Microscopically, the LE/NDV group exhibited mild to moderate pathological changes in the respiratory and digestive systems as well as lymphoid tissues, in contrast to the NDV group, which exhibited severe pathological changes. Furthermore, molecular docking assessment proved the efficacy of G. glabra against viral proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

We concluded that Glycyrrhiza glabra powdered extract at a dose of 0.5 g/L drinking water can effectively mitigate the debilitating effects of Newcastle disease in chickens.
On the Transmission Line Analogy for Modeling Plasmonic Nanowire Circuits
Authors: Dragoman D.
Published: September 2024

Modeling slot waveguides using the analogy with transmission lines in microwaves proved itself to be an accurate and simple method for characterizing plasmonic field propagation. Here, the possibility of generalizing the applicability of this method to plasmonic circuits consisting of nanowires is analyzed. It is found that it can be applied as long as the circuit can be divided in regions with known transverse field distributions and propagation constants, the total matrix characterizing plasmon propagation being composed of propagation and interface matrices, as in slot waveguides, the elements of the latter being, however, defined in terms of butt-coupling transmission coefficients at the interface and not using the simple characteristic impedance expression used for slot waveguides.
Blunt Talk on “Blunts”: The Increasingly Popular Tobacco Product That Is Potentially Exacerbating Tobacco-Related Health Disparities
Authors: Sanchez Joshua I. , Fong Reece S. , Hampilos Katherine , Cooper Ziva D. , Middlekauff Holly R.
Published: September 2024

A “blunt” is a hollowed-out cigar/cigarillo from which much of the loose tobacco has been removed, and the remaining tobacco wrapper filled with cannabis. Although blunts contain significant levels of tobacco/nicotine, they are often treated as if they were exclusive cannabis products and omitted from surveys of tobacco products. Whereas the prevalence of virtually all other tobacco products is on the decline in the USA, available data suggest that the prevalence of blunt smoking is not — and in fact, it may be increasing. Blunts are most frequently used by people who self-identify as Black. As a result of misperceptions and perhaps biases, there is a dearth of scientific investigation, hence knowledge, surrounding the health effects associated with blunt smoking. Co-use of tobacco and cannabis has been reported to have additive and even synergistic adverse health effects. Lack of investigations into the health effects of tobacco products most frequently used by Black people may contribute to tobacco-related health disparities. We argue that the scientific and public health communities must treat blunts as the potentially lethal tobacco product that they are, studying their prevalence and use patterns, and investigating their adverse health effects, both short and long term.
A bibliometric analysis for remote sensing applications in bush encroachment mapping of grassland and savanna ecosystems
Authors: Gcayi Siphokazi Ruth , Adelabu Samuel Adewale , Nduku Lwandile , Chirima Johannes George
Published: September 2024

Grasslands and savannas are experiencing transformation and degradation due to bush encroachment (BE). BE has been monitored using restrictive traditional techniques that include field surveys and manual long-term observations. Owing to the limitations of traditional techniques, remote sensing (RS) is an attractive alternative to assess BE because of its generally high precision and return interval, cost-effectiveness, and availability of historical data archives. Furthermore, RS has an added advantage in its ability of acquiring global coherent data in near-real time compared to the snapshot acquisition mode with traditional surveying techniques. Despite its extensive application and vast possibilities, a critical synthesis for RS successes, shortcomings, and best practices in mapping BE in savannas and grasslands is lacking. Thus, broadly, the direction, which this type of investigation has taken over the years is largely unknown. This study sought to connect and measure the progress RS has made in mapping BE in grassland and savanna ecosystems through bibliometric analysis. One hundred and twenty-three peer-reviewed English written documents from the Web of Science and Scopus databases were evaluated. The study revealed 13.05% average annual publication growth, indicating that RS and BE mapping research in grasslands and savannas has been increasing over the survey period. Most published studies came from the USA, while the rest came from South Africa, China, and Australia. The results indicate that BE has been extensively mapped in grasslands and savannas using coarse to medium resolution data. As a result, there is a weak relationship (r² = 0.324) between the dependent variable (aerial images) and the independent variable (percentage of woody cover). This connotes the need to improve BE assessments in grasslands and savannas by integrating recent high-resolution data, machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence.