bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic hair-assisted GaN optical devices for bidirectional airflow detection
Authors: Ye Tianyu , Chen Jian , Tang Xinke , Li Kwai Hei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAirflow sensing plays a pivotal role in numerous fields, including medicine, industry, and environmental monitoring. However, detecting bidirectional airflow using a single sensing unit poses significant challenges. In this work, a miniature airflow sensing device is introduced, utilizing a GaN optical chip integrated with a biomimetic hair structure. The sensing device comprises a monolithic GaN chip that handles both light emission and detection. The biomimetic hairs, constructed from nylon fibers and PDMS film, undergo structural bending in converting airflow signals into optical changes, modulating the light captured by the on-chip detector. The intensity of the airflow directly correlates with the bending extent of the biomimetic hair, facilitating the precise detection of airflow rates through changes in the photocurrent. The integrated device can measure a wide range of airflow rates from −23.87 ms−1 to 21.29 ms−1, and exhibit a rapid response time of 13 ms and a detection limit of 0.1 ms−1. Characterized by its compact size, fast response time, and bidirectional detection ability, the developed device holds immense potential for applications in breath detection, speech recognition, encoding information, and the realization of logic operations.
The effect of fampridine on working memory: a randomized controlled trial based on a genome-guided repurposing approach
Authors: Papassotiropoulos Andreas , Freytag Virginie , Schicktanz Nathalie , Gerhards Christiane , Aerni Amanda , Faludi Tamás , Amini Ehssan , Müggler Elia , Harings-Kaim Annette , Schlitt Thomas , de Quervain Dominique J.-F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWorking memory (WM), a key component of cognitive functions, is often impaired in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Through a genome-guided drug repurposing approach, we identified fampridine, a potassium channel blocker used to improve walking in multiple sclerosis, as a candidate for modulating WM. In a subsequent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in 43 healthy young adults (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04652557), we assessed fampridine’s impact on WM (3-back d-prime, primary outcome) after 3.5 days of repeated administration (10 mg twice daily). Independently of baseline cognitive performance, no significant main effect was observed (Wilcoxon P = 0.87, r = 0.026). However, lower baseline performance was associated with higher working memory performance after repeated intake of fampridine compared to placebo (rs = −0.37, P = 0.014, n = 43). Additionally, repeated intake of fampridine lowered resting motor threshold (F(1,37) = 5.31, P = 0.027, R2β = 0.01), the non-behavioral secondary outcome, indicating increased cortical excitability linked to cognitive function. Fampridine’s capacity to enhance WM in low-performing individuals and to increase brain excitability points to its potential value for treating WM deficits.
Inhibition of sympathetic tone via hypothalamic descending pathway propagates glucocorticoid-induced endothelial impairment and osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Shao Wenkai , Wang Bo , Wang Ping , Zhang Shuo , Gong Song , Guo Xiaodong , Duan Deyu , Shao Zengwu , Liu Weijian , He Lei , Gao Fei , Lv Xiao , Feng Yong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a common complication of glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. Recent advances demonstrate that sympathetic nerves regulate bone homeostasis, and GCs lower the sympathetic tone. Here, we show that the dramatically decreased sympathetic tone is closely associated with the pathogenesis of GC-induced ONFH. GCs activate the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) but hinder the activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) on neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). This disrupts the balance of corticosteroid receptors (GR/MR) and subsequently reduces the sympathetic outflow in the PVN. Vascular endothelial cells rapidly react to inhibition of sympathetic tone by provoking endothelial apoptosis in adult male mice treated with methylprednisolone (MPS) daily for 3 days, and we find substantially reduced H-type vessels in the femoral heads of MPS-treated ONFH mice. Importantly, treatment with a GR inhibitor (RU486) in the PVN promotes the activation of MR and rebalances the ratio of GR and MR, thus effectively boosting sympathetic outflow, as shown by an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in both the PVN and the sympathetic postganglionic neurons and an increase in norepinephrine levels in both the serum and bone marrow of the femoral head of MPS-treated mice. Rebalancing the corticosteroid receptors mitigates GC-induced endothelial impairment and ONFH and promotes angiogenesis coupled with osteogenesis in the femoral head, while these effects are abolished by chemical sympathectomy with 6-OHDA or adrenergic receptor-β2 (Adrb2) knockout. Furthermore, activating Adrb2 signaling in vivo is sufficient to rescue the GC-induced ONFH phenotype. Mechanistically, norepinephrine increases the expression of the key glycolytic gene 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) via Adrb2-cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling. Endothelial-specific overexpression of PFKFB3 attenuates endothelial impairment and prevents severe osteonecrosis in MPS-treated Adrb2 knockout mice. Thus, GC inhibits sympathetic tone via the hypothalamic descending pathway, which, in turn, acts as a mediator of GC-induced ONFH.
A systematic review of the implications of lipocalin-2 expression in periodontal disease
Authors: Solís-Suárez Diana L. , Cifuentes-Mendiola Saúl E. , García-Hernández Ana L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objective
Evidence suggests that lipocalin-2 (LCN-2), a bone-derived protein, is upregulated in periodontal diseases. This systematic review aimed to evaluate LCN-2 concentrations in individuals with periodontal diseases, identifying the most suitable body fluids for its detection, the type of periodontal disease with the highest LCN-2 expression, its association with other inflammatory markers and systemic diseases, and whether its expression can be modified by periodontal treatment.

Methods
A systematic search of Google Scholar, PubMed, and ProQuest up to August 2024 was conducted. The studies were screened and selected by the authors according to specific eligibility criteria. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed according to the study type using STROBE statement for observational studies or the modified Jadad scale for experimental studies. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023458565).

Results
In total, three thousand six hundred and thirty-eight reports were identified, of which twenty-seven were full-text assessed for eligibility, including eleven articles. Seven articles were observational, and four were experimental. Significantly elevated LCN-2 levels were reported in patients with periodontal disease across 9 studies, being higher in periodontitis rather than gingivitis. LCN-2 was mainly detected in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva. LCN-2 expression is related to the increment of inflammatory markers, and periodontal therapy decreases LCN-2 concentrations. LCN-2 levels were aggravated when periodontitis was accompanied by obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion
LCN-2 is implicated in periodontal diseases, probably through the inflammation process.
Current water contact and Schistosoma mansoni infection have distinct determinants: a data-driven population-based study in rural Uganda
Authors: Reitzug Fabian , Kabatereine Narcis B. , Byaruhanga Anatol M. , Besigye Fred , Nabatte Betty , Chami Goylette F. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWater contact is a key element of the system of human-environment interactions that determine individual exposure to schistosome parasites and, in turn, community transmission. Yet, there is a limited understanding of the complexity of water contact. We characterised patterns and determinants of water contact within the large-scale SchistoTrack study on 2867 individuals aged 5-90 years in Eastern and Western Uganda, employing Bayesian variable selection and advanced statistical modelling. We found a 15-year gap between the population-level peak in water contact (age 30) and infection (age 15) with practically no correlation (ρ = 0.03) between individual-level water contact and infection. Adults had higher water contact than children, and 80% of individuals with water contact lived within 0.43 km of water bodies. Domestic water contact was most common for children and women, while occupational water contact was most common for men. Water contact was positively associated with older age, fishing or fish mongering occupations, the number of water sites, and type (beach/pond/swamp), and lower village-level infection prevalence. Only older age and fishing were positively, though inconsistently, associated with infection status/intensity. By providing profiles of at-risk groups, and suitable water contact metrics, our research opens avenues for spatially-targeted interventions and exposure monitoring in endemic countries.
HURP regulates Kif18A recruitment and activity to synergistically control microtubule dynamics
Authors: Perez-Bertoldi Juan M. , Zhao Yuanchang , Thawani Akanksha , Yildiz Ahmet , Nogales Eva 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDuring mitosis, microtubule dynamics are regulated to ensure proper alignment and segregation of chromosomes. The dynamics of kinetochore-attached microtubules are regulated by hepatoma-upregulated protein (HURP) and the mitotic kinesin-8 Kif18A, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Using single-molecule imaging in vitro, we demonstrate that Kif18A motility is regulated by HURP. While sparse decoration of HURP activates the motor, higher concentrations hinder processive motility. To shed light on this behavior, we determine the binding mode of HURP to microtubules using cryo-EM. The structure helps rationalize why HURP functions as a microtubule stabilizer. Additionally, HURP partially overlaps with the microtubule-binding site of the Kif18A motor domain, indicating that excess HURP inhibits Kif18A motility by steric exclusion. We also observe that HURP and Kif18A function together to suppress dynamics of the microtubule plus-end, providing a mechanistic basis for how they collectively serve in microtubule length control.
Learning properties of quantum states without the IID assumption
Authors: Fawzi Omar , Kueng Richard , Markham Damian , Oufkir Aadil 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe develop a framework for learning properties of quantum states beyond the assumption of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) input states. We prove that, given any learning problem (under reasonable assumptions), an algorithm designed for i.i.d. input states can be adapted to handle input states of any nature, albeit at the expense of a polynomial increase in training data size (aka sample complexity). Importantly, this polynomial increase in sample complexity can be substantially improved to polylogarithmic if the learning algorithm in question only requires non-adaptive, single-copy measurements. Among other applications, this allows us to generalize the classical shadow framework to the non-i.i.d. setting while only incurring a comparatively small loss in sample efficiency. We leverage permutation invariance and randomized single-copy measurements to derive a new quantum de Finetti theorem that mainly addresses measurement outcome statistics and, in turn, scales much more favorably in Hilbert space dimension.
Genetic potential for aerobic respiration and denitrification in globally distributed respiratory endosymbionts
Authors: Speth Daan R. , Zeller Linus M. , Graf Jon S. , Overholt Will A. , Küsel Kirsten , Milucka Jana 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe endosymbiont Candidatus Azoamicus ciliaticola was proposed to generate ATP for its eukaryotic host, an anaerobic ciliate of the Plagiopylea class, fulfilling a function analogous to mitochondria in other eukaryotic cells. The discovery of this respiratory endosymbiosis has major implications for both evolutionary history and ecology of microbial eukaryotes. However, with only a single species described, knowledge of its environmental distribution and diversity is limited. Here we report four complete, circular metagenome assembled genomes (cMAGs) representing respiratory endosymbionts inhabiting groundwater in California, Ohio, and Germany. These cMAGs form two lineages comprising a monophyletic clade within the uncharacterized gammaproteobacterial order UBA6186, enabling evolutionary analysis of their key protein complexes. Strikingly, all four cMAGs encode a cytochrome cbb3 oxidase, which indicates that these endosymbionts have the capacity for aerobic respiration. Accordingly, we detect these respiratory endosymbionts in diverse habitats worldwide, thus further expanding the ecological scope of this respiratory symbiosis.
Molecular insights into substrate translocation in an elevator-type metal transporter
Authors: Zhang Yao , Jafari Majid , Zhang Tuo , Sui Dexin , Sagresti Luca , Merz Kenneth M. , Hu Jian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP) metal transporters are key players in maintaining the homeostasis of a panel of essential microelements. The prototypical ZIP from Bordetella bronchiseptica (BbZIP) is an elevator transporter, but how the metal substrate moves along the transport pathway and how the transporter changes conformation to allow alternating access remain to be elucidated. Here, we combine structural, biochemical, and computational approaches to investigate the process of metal substrate translocation along with the global structural rearrangement. Our study reveals an upward hinge motion of the transport domain in a high-resolution crystal structure of a cross-linked variant, elucidates the mechanisms of metal release from the transport site into the cytoplasm and activity regulation by a cytoplasmic metal-binding loop, and unravels an unusual elevator mode in enhanced sampling simulations that distinguishes BbZIP from other elevator transporters. This work provides important insights into the metal transport mechanism of the ZIP family.
Coding and non-coding variants in the ciliopathy gene CFAP410 cause early-onset non-syndromic retinal degeneration
Authors: Sangermano Riccardo , Gupta Priya , Price Cherrell , Han Jinu , Navarro Julien , Condroyer Christel , Place Emily M. , Antonio Aline , Mukai Shizuo , Zanlonghi Xavier , Sahel José-Alain , DiTroia Stephanie , O’Heir Emily , Duncan Jacque L. , Pierce Eric A. , Zeitz Christina , Audo Isabelle , Huckfeldt Rachel M. , Bujakowska Kinga M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInherited retinal degenerations are blinding genetic disorders characterized by high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. In this retrospective study, we describe sixteen families with early-onset non-syndromic retinal degenerations in which affected probands carried rare bi-allelic variants in CFAP410, a ciliary gene previously associated with recessive Jeune syndrome. We detected twelve variants, eight of which were novel, including c.373+91A>G, which led to aberrant splicing. To our knowledge this is the first likely pathogenic deep-intronic variant identified in this gene. Analysis of all reported and novel CFAP410 variants revealed no clear correlation between the severity of the CFAP410-associated phenotypes and the identified causal variants. This is supported by the fact that the frequently encountered missense variant p.(Arg73Pro), often found in syndromic cases, was also associated with non-syndromic retinal degeneration. This study expands the current knowledge of CFAP410-associated ciliopathy by enriching its mutational landscape and supports its association with non-syndromic retinal degeneration.
A framework for translational therapy development in deep brain stimulation
Authors: Chen Jia Zhi , Volkmann Jens , Ip Chi Wang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for motor disorders like Parkinson’s disease, but its mechanisms and effects on neurons and networks are not fully understood, limiting research-driven progress. This review presents a framework that combines neurophysiological insights and translational research to enhance DBS therapy, emphasizing biomarkers, device technology, and symptom-specific neuromodulation. It also examines the role of animal research in improving DBS, while acknowledging challenges in clinical translation.
Inadequate foundational decoding skills constrain global literacy goals for pupils in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Crawford Michael , Raheel Neha , Korochkina Maria , Rastle Kathleen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Learning to read is the most important outcome of primary education. However, despite substantial improvements in primary school enrolment, most students in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) fail to learn to read by age 10. We report reading assessment data from over half a million pupils from 48 LMICs tested primarily in a language of instruction and show that these pupils are failing to acquire the most basic skills that contribute to reading comprehension. Pupils in LMICs across the first three instructional years are not acquiring the ability to decode printed words fluently and, in most cases, are failing to master the names and sounds associated with letters. Moreover, performance gaps against benchmarks widen with each instructional year. Literacy goals in LMICs will be reached only by ensuring focus on decoding skills in early-grade readers. Effective literacy instruction will require rigorous systematic phonics programmes and assessments suitable for LMIC contexts.
A multi-species benchmark for training and validating mass spectrometry proteomics machine learning models
Authors: Wen Bo , Noble William Stafford 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTraining machine learning models for tasks such as de novo sequencing or spectral clustering requires large collections of confidently identified spectra. Here we describe a dataset of 2.8 million high-confidence peptide-spectrum matches derived from nine different species. The dataset is based on a previously described benchmark but has been re-processed to ensure consistent data quality and enforce separation of training and test peptides.
An ultra-short-period super-Earth with an extremely high density and an outer companion
Authors: Livingston John H. , Gandolfi Davide , Trani Alessandro A. , Herath Mahesh , Barragán Oscar , Hatzes Artie , Luque Rafael , Fukui Akihiko , Nowak Grzegorz , Palle Enric , Hellier Coel , Fridlund Malcolm , de Leon Jerome , Hirano Teruyuki , Narita Norio , Albrecht Simon , Dai Fei , Deeg Hans , Van Eylen Vincent , Korth Judith , Tamura Motohide 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe present the discovery and characterization of a new multi-planetary system around the Sun-like star K2-360 (EPIC 201595106). K2-360 was first identified in K2 photometry as the host of an ultra-short-period (USP) planet candidate with a period of 0.88 d. We obtained follow-up transit photometry, confirming the star as the host of the signal. High precision radial velocity measurements from HARPS and HARPS-N confirm the transiting USP planet and reveal the existence of an outer (non-transiting) planet with an orbital period of $$\sim$$
∼
10 d. We measure a mass of $$7.67 \pm 0.75$$

7.67
±
0.75

$$M_{\oplus }$$

M
⊕

and a radius of $$1.57 \pm 0.08$$

1.57
±
0.08

$$R_{\oplus }$$

R
⊕

for the transiting planet, yielding a high mean density of $$11 \pm 2$$

11
±
2

g $$\hbox {cm}^{-3}$$

cm

-
3

, making it the densest well-characterized USP super-Earth discovered to date. We measure a minimum mass of $$15.2 \pm 1.8$$

15.2
±
1.8

$$M_{\oplus }$$

M
⊕

for the outer planet, and explore a migration formation pathway via the von Zeipel–Kozai–Lidov (ZKL) mechanism and tidal dissipation.
Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among Afghan primary school children
Authors: Rahimi Bilal Ahmad , Khalid Aziz Ahmad , Usmani Asmatullah , Khalid Wahid Ahmad , Baseer Abdul Qadeer , Rahimi Javed Ahmad , Taylor Walter R 
Published: November 2024

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is common in many societies and causes rickets and non-skeletal disorders in children. There are no published data on vitamin D deficiency in Afghanistan. We, therefore, investigated the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency in Afghan school children in Kandahar City, Afghanistan. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023 in 510 primary school students aged 6–15 years from six randomly selected schools. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression. Of the 510 enrolled children, 54.3% were boys and 91.8% were poor. The mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 9.3 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was detected in 436/510 (85.5%) children that was severe in 267/510 (52.4%). By logistic regression analysis, independent factors for vitamin D deficiency were: (i) older age group 11–15 vs. 6 − 10 years, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.2–6.2), (ii) poverty AOR 2.0 (1.0–4.3), (iii) not doing outdoor physical activity AOR 4.8 (2.8–8.1), and (iv) daily sunlight exposure < 60 min AOR 2.2 (1.3–3.7). Although Kandahar is very sunny throughout the year, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among school boys and girls, placing them at great risk of vitamin D-deficient rickets. More work is needed to define the country-wide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency to inform robust strategies of vitamin D supplementation, the provision of vitamin D-fortified food to the school children in Kandahar City and health education programs that can be conducted with the help of international organizations.
Transmission dynamics of fractional order SVEIR model for African swine fever virus with optimal control analysis
Authors: Suganya S. , Parthiban V. , Shangerganesh L. , Hariharan S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamics of the African swine fever virus during periods of intense replication is critical for effective combatting of the rapid spread. In our research, we have developed a fractional-order SVEIR model using the Caputo derivatives to investigate this behaviour. We have established the existence and uniqueness of the solution through fixed point theory and determined the basic reproduction number using the next-generation matrix method. Our study also involves an examination of the local and global stability of disease-free equilibrium points. Additionally, we have conducted optimal control analysis with two control variables to increase the number of recovered pigs while reducing the number of those infected and exposed. We have supported our findings with numerical simulations to demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy.