bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The significance of reproduction-related traits for wet meadow species survival in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Sounapoglou Antigoni , Janeček Štěpán , Bartoš Michael , Chmelová Eliška , Delabye Sylvain , Horník Jan , Jersáková Jana , Jiráská Šárka , Klomberg Yannick , Maicher Vincent , Tropek Robert , Janečková Petra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation refers to the breaking of continuous habitat into multiple patches; these patches create less connected vegetation areas than before, which can result in smaller plant species populations due to, among other factors, limited pollinator visitation. Specific plant reproductive success traits related to pollination can filter species success in the remaining vegetation, affect their relative abundance and distribution and further shed light on relevant conservation efforts. The European grasslands comprise the most fragmented biome in the world. We explored whether wet meadow plant species are affected by connectivity degree between patches and if so, which traits related directly or indirectly to reproduction and pollination are responsible for their success degree. More particularly, we constructed a trait suite for each species which consisted of 15 interaction, phenotypic and propagation life-history traits mainly focusing on pollination process. Seven traits were revealed as important with flower colour, a categorical variable, flowering duration and rewards accessibility being the strongest predictors. Partial dependencies further revealed that, generally, the most successful species exhibited non-specialised life-history, phenotypic and interaction traits. These results imply that species with specific specialised traits require greater conservation attention. We further stress the importance of many different types of traits and ecological processes needed to be studied at the same time, to better understand what drives species success in not well-connected fragmented habitats or other stressful environments.
Intelligent game between intubation and stress regarding hemodynamic and hormonal changes
Authors: elhafez Nashwa Farouk Abd , Abdelraouf Abdelraouf MS , Fahmy Marina Kamal , Saleem Tahia . H. , Abdelall Alshimaa Hafez 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Endotracheal intubation is accompanied by a huge amount of stress. Numerous drugs have been used to attenuate such stress
Aim of the work
To compare the efficacy of Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl in attenuating the hemodynamic and biochemical stress markers in patients undergoing general anesthesia.
Patients and methods
This is a prospective randomized controlled study conducted in Assiut University, Faculty of Medicine Hospitals from January 2024 to end of June 2024. Patients meeting the inclusion Criteria were randomly divided into two groups; Group D received Dexmedetomidin and Group F received Fentanyl. All patients underwent ECG monitoring and blood pressure measurement. Four blood samples were drawn from each patient at the following time points: T0 (after 20 minutes resting in supine position), T1 (Two minutes after initiation of anesthesia), T2 (One minute after endotracheal intubation, and T3 (10 minutes after endotracheal intubation). Blood samples were analyzed for Insulin, Blood glucose, T3, T4, Human Growth hormone (HGH), Cortisol, ACTH, Lactic acid and Norepinephrine.
Results
The study included 100 subjects (80 patients and 20 healthy control subjects with matching age and sex). Patients were randomly divided into two groups Group D (40 patients) and Group F (40 patients). Endotracheal intubation resulted in a significant increase in both hemodynamic and biochemical stress markers in both groups compared to the baseline time of the study (T0) and after the initiation of anesthesia (T1). However, 10 minutes after intubation (T3), there was a slight improvement in both hemodynamic and biochemical markers in both groups. Group D patients showed a significant decline in most of the biochemical parameters studied at T1, T2, and T3 and a significant decline in hemodynamic parameters at T2. However, Group F patients showed earlier recovery after surgery compared to Group D patients.
Conclusion
Dexmedetomidine proved to be more effective than Fentanyl in decreasing intubation-induced stress. However, Fentanyl resulted in earlier post-operative recovery compared to Dexmedetomidine.
Catch-up effects and incentive effects: Evidence from regulatory reform in Australian electric distribution utilities
Authors: Li Hong-Zhou , Yin Yong , Kopsakangas-Savolainen Maria 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Theoretically, incentive regulation should induce all regulated companies to reduce costs by making them residual claimants. In particular, it should stimulate relatively lower performance companies to cut more costs by an additional "stretch factor" (differentiated efficiency improvement target). This study terms the first as incentive effects and the second as catch-up effects. Using panel data from Australian electric distribution companies, the study aims to identify whether these two effects exist and assess the outcomes of the regulatory reform implemented in 2012. To achieve this, the paper adopts convergence indexes developed by Horta & Camanho (2015) and Camanho et al. (2023), substituting their DEA-based framework with the StoNEZD framework. The newly proposed convergence indexes account for environmental heterogeneity and stochastic error, reflecting purely performance changes due to management efforts in daily operations. Empirical results confirm the existence of both effects, implying that the 2012 reform has produced the expected results.
JEL classification C13 · C14 · L51 · L94
Causal effect between immunocytes, plasma metabolites, and hepatocellular carcinoma: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study and mediation analysis
Authors: Tang Xilong , Xue Jianjin , Zhang Jie , Zhou Jiajia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant liver tumor, characterized by a notably low 5-year survival rate and a high mortality rate globally. This study aimed to investigate the causal effect between immune cell phenotypes, plasma metabolites, and HCC.
Methods
Summary statistics of 731 immunocytes traits (N = 3,757), 1,400 plasma metabolite traits (N = 8,299) and HCC trait (N = 197,611) were obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to infer the causal links using inverse variance-weighted, simple mode, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure reliable MR results. Finally, we used mediation analysis to identify the pathway from immunocytes to mediated by plasma metabolites.
Results
Causal relationships were identified among the 20 immune cell phenotypes and HCC with one exhibiting reverse causality. Additionally, 36 metabolites were causally related to HCC. Based on known causal metabolites, we observed that the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway is closely related to HCC. Utilizing two-step MR analysis, 11 cell phenotypes were determined to have causal relationships with HCC mediated by 14 plasma metabolites, with Linolenate [alpha or gamma; (18:3n3 or 6)] levels showing the highest mediation proportion (19.3%).
Conclusion
Our findings affirm a causal relationship between immune cell phenotypes, plasma metabolites, and HCC, computing the proportion of the effect mediated by plasma metabolites. This study provides novel insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HCC.
A Novel Feeder cell based on 4-1BBL and Membrane-bound IL-21/ IL-15 Induce Highly Expansion and Anti-tumor Effect of Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Gong Sha , Mei Nan , Wang Jun , Zhu Junsheng , Wang Lu , Lu Xiaohong , He Pengcheng , Chen Weiwei , Xi Lei , Bao Yingying , Wald David N. , Fan Xiaohu , Wang Huaiyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy is a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, its extensive clinical application was limited to the large-scale clinical-grade expansion of NK cells. In this study, we expanded NK cells from healthy donor’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using a newly designed K562 feeder cell line.
Methods
The feeder cells were generated by transducing K562 cells with lentiviral particles carrying 4-1BBL and mbIL-21/-15. NK cells were expanded from PBMCs with these genetically modified, frozen-thawed and irradiated K562 feeder cells in the presence of IL-2. The purity, quantity, and receptors expression of the expanding NK cells were dynamically monitored. Furthermore, their anti-tumor efficacy was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo following a two-week expansion period.
Results
The K562-4-1BBL-mbIL-21/-15 feeder cells induced highly-efficient NK cells expansion from PBMC (17902-fold) within two weeks. There was a notable upregulation in the expression of activating receptors including NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46 during the expansion process. Moreover, the expanded NK cells displayed enhanced cytotoxicity against a variety of hematological (K562, MOLM-13, OCI-AML-3, THP-1) and solid (Hep-G2, OVCAR3) cancer cell lines in vitro. In the humanized U937 xenograft mouse model, the NK cells extended the median survival time of the AML-bearing mice from 19.40 to 28.25 days.
Conclusions
We have successfully established a highly-efficient, cost-effective and rapid NK cell expansion platform from PBMC utilizing K562-4-1BBL-mbIL-21/-15 feeder cells, which also significantly improved the cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, presenting a significant advancement in the field of NK cell-based immunotherapy.
A study of the plasmonic metasurface based on hexagonally oriented Sn nanobars
Authors: He Xinyu , He Yifan , Sun Cheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This work reports on the plasmonic properties of a Sn metasurface structure, in the wavelength region of 0.4-4um. On top of a glass substrate, the metasurface is formed by a central Sn nanobar surrounded with hexagonally oriented Sn nanobars. As the light polarization, the length and angle of the central Sn nanobars are respectively varied, the light transmittance of the metastructure is numerically simulated, using the finite difference time domain method. Multiple plasmonic resonances are observed, the plasmonic coupling effect at the Sn metasurface is revealed, and the corresponding electromagnetic field distributions are demonstrated. The results show that the plasmonic resonance wavelength associated with the Sn nanobars can be tuned in the studied wavelength range, by adjusting the parameters of the metasurface. Based on this study, we suggest that the structure of the Sn metastructure proposed in this work be implemented in the design for plasmonic devices at 0.4-4um wavelengths.
Real-time correction of gain nonlinearity in electrostatic actuation for whole-angle micro-shell resonator gyroscope
Authors: Wu Xuezhong , Yu Sheng , Sun Jiangkun , Zhang Yongmeng , Xi Xiang , Lu Kun , Shi Yan , Xiao Dingbang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

MEMS gyroscopes are well known for their outstanding advantages in Cost Size Weight and Power (CSWaP), which have inspired great research attention in recent years. A higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for MEMS gyroscopes operating at larger vibrating amplitudes provides improved measuring resolution and ARW performance. However, the increment of amplitude causes strong nonlinear effects of MEMS gyroscopes due to their micron size, which has negative influences on the performance. This paper carries out detailed research on a general nonlinear mechanism on the sensors using parallel-plate capacitive transducers, which is called the gain nonlinearity in electrostatic actuation. The theoretical model established in this paper demonstrates the actuation gain nonlinearity causes the control-force coupling and brings extra angle-dependent bias with the 4th component for the whole-angle gyroscopes, which are verified by the experiments carried out on a micro-shell resonator gyroscope (MSRG). Furthermore, a real-time correction method is proposed to restore a linear response of the electrostatic actuation, which is realized by the gain modification with an online parameter estimation based on the harmonic-component relationship of capacitive detection. This real-time correction method could reduce the 4th component of the angle-dependent bias by over 95% from 0.003°/s to less than 0.0001°/s even under different temperatures. After the correction of actuation gain nonlinearity, the bias instability (BI) of whole-angle MSRG is improved by about 3.5 times from 0.101°/h to 0.029°/h and the scale factor nonlinearity (SFN) is reduced by almost one order of magnitude from 2.02ppm to 0.21ppm.
The Deepest Podasconidae (Cryptoniscoidea, Epicaridea) from the Japan Trench
Authors: Yamamoto Daiki , Takano Tsuyoshi , Kojima Shigeaki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose The Podasconidae, which are parasitic on the Amphipoda, are poorly studied taxa within marine isopods. Consequently, information on occurrence has been limited to shallower waters and molecular sequence data are not available. Here we report first podasconid specimens from amphipods collected from abyssal and hadal depths. In this study, these podasconids were characterised through morphological and molecular analyses.
Methods Podasconids were detected from amphipods sampled from abyssal and hadal depths of the Japan and Kuril-Kamchatka Trenches. Newly collected podasconids were observed under a stereoscopic microscope. Partial sequences of nuclear 18S and mitochondrial 16S rRNA genes were determined for all parasites, whilst those of mitochondrial COI gene were provided for the host amphipods.
Results In total, seven podasconids were found from three species of benthic amphipods, Aristiassp., Byblisoides arcillis and Epimeria abyssalis, collected at 4556–6539 m of the Japan Trench. Differences in body size and morphology of uropods and article 1 of antennule were observed among parasites. 18S phylogenetic tree, constructed with other cryptoniscoid sequences from the GenBank, agreed with morphological analyses. As a result, we have assigned three morphospecies for the present podasconid samples whilst the non-monophyletic nature of Podasconidae was also indicated.
Conclusion This study identified three novel amphipod hosts of Podasconidae and extends the known geographical and bathymetrical distribution of Podasconidae to include the abyssal and hadal depths. Additionally, our results indicated a high diversity of Podasconidae in the deep water, with an inference to potentially complex diversification of cryptoniscoids.
Navigating Recovery in Childhood OCD: A Qualitative Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Srava Lakshmi , Madegowda Rajendra Kiragasur , Velusamy Arul Jayendra Pradeep , Kommu John Vijay Sagar , Girimaji Satish Chandra , Seshadri Shekhar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective is to examine the barriers and facilitators to recovery in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Methods
Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings were validated through investigator triangulation, peer validation and member check.
Results
Barriers to recovery were internal – lack of awareness; poor motivation to seek treatment; and perceived stigma, or external – poor parental support; parental anxiety; inadequate awareness in schools; social misconceptions about illness; myths about medication; and frustrations in treatment processes. Facilitators were internal – will and determination; self-discipline; keeping calm; sense of purpose, and external – general awareness; parental support; peer support; and good therapeutic engagement.
Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore barriers and facilitators to recovery in-depth in pediatric OCD. Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions, robust support networks, and cultural sensitivity for successful recovery outcomes.
Trial registration
NIMH/DO/IEC (BEH. Sc. DIV)/2018, l1 April 2018
Radiative cooling performance of a modified paint formulation with an integrated UV and convection shielding layer
Authors: Lio Giuseppe Emanuele , Levorin Sara , Erdogan Atakan , Werlé Jeremy , Corso Alain J. , Schenato Luca , Wiersma Diederik S. , Santagiustina Marco , Pattelli Lorenzo , Pelizzo Maria Guglielmina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Passive radiative cooling (PRC) technology promises to reduce a significant fraction of our energy needs and carbon footprint associated with cooling. Among different approaches, paint-like systems present several advantages in cost-effectiveness, scalability, and application ease. We report on a PRC system consisting of a paint mixture modified with 50 %wt glass bubbles and a top polypropylene-polyethylene-polypropylene (PP-PE-PP) film typically used as a battery separator. The resulting material exhibits a solar reflectance of 94 % and an absorption (evaluated by Attenuated Total Reflectance spectroscopy) with a peak at 10 µm of 60 %. The addition of the glass bubbles and the top film increases the paint reflectance over the solar spectrum and the UV, thanks to the nanoporous PP-PE-PP film (NPF), while allowing most thermal radiation through, shielding from convection, and making the coating more easily washable. The material has been tested under realistic outdoor conditions, checking the different performance obtained when sticking the PP-PE-PP film directly onto the wet paint layer or by using it as a separate windshield enclosing the sample test chamber. Despite its high solar reflectance, no radiative cooling is observed with respect to ambient temperature during the peak hours (solar irradiation >500 W m −2). Below this threshold, a temperature drop of −3 °C and a cooling power exceeding 100 W m−2 is observed. Notably, even using a visibly opaque convection shield, the configuration where the PP-PE-PP film seals the sample results in a substantial overheating of the air pocket surrounding the sample , which is detrimental to obtaining a temperature drop with respect to the true ambient temperature.
Research on the properties of creep compaction of crushed gangue in a deep long-wall goaf
Authors: wen peng , Guo Wenbing , Tan Yi , Bai Erhu , Yang WeiQiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

One of the typical deep mining areas in China is the West Yu mining area. The majority of the deep mining and hollowing areas in this area face serious challenges in controlling surface subsidence and protecting structures due to the conflict between surface subsidence and tense land use for ground engineering and construction. The long-term performance of the shattered gangue body in the mining hollow area needs to be examined as part of the stability analysis. The creep characteristics and crushing features of the same gradation of sandstone, mudstone, and sandy mudstone of three different kinds of single lithology, as well as sandstone-sandy mudstone and mudstone-sandy mudstone combined lithology of crushed gangue under the side-limit compression conditions, were studied. These findings were based on the engineering geological conditions of the mining airspace area in the certain mining area of a mine in west Henan Province. By using a graded loading test, the creep and compression properties of crushed gangue samples with various single and combined lithologies in the caved zone were evaluated. Additionally, the effects of varying stress levels and intensities on the properties of creep compaction of crushed gangue samples in the caved zone were described. Created a creep-time prediction model for crushed gangue in a deep longwall mining area's caved zone. The study's findings offer theoretical direction for the movement of the mining zone's surface and the underlying gangue layer, as well as for the safe administration of the mining zone.
RETRACTED: Fabrication of cinnamaldehyde-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibers as a potential antibiofilm preventative approach against Escherichia coli
Authors: Alshammari Maryam K , Aodah Alhassan H , Alshehri Abdullah A , Aldossary Ahmad M , Alsudir Samar A , Alkhulaifi Manal M , Farraj Dunia A Al , Khalaf Suhail , Alyamani Essam J , Tawfik Essam A 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Transgenic T cell therapy targeting the glioblastoma stem cell antigen PTPRZ1 with a vaccine-induced, patient-derived T cell receptor
Authors: Bunse Lukas , Chih Yu-Chan , Dietsch Amelie Christina , Koopmann Philipp , Ma Xiujian , Agardy Dennis Alexander , Zhao Binghao , De Roia Alice , Kourtesakis Alexandros , Kilian Michael , Krämer Christopher , Suwala Abigail K. , Stenzinger Miriam , Bonig Halvard , Blum Agnieszka , Pieńkowski Victor , Aman Kuralay , Becker Jonas P , Feldmann Henrike , Bunse Theresa , Harbottle Richard , Riemer Angelika B. , LIU Hai-Kun , Etminan Nima , Sahm Felix , Ratliff Miriam , Wick Wolfgang , Platten Michael , Green Edward Wilhelm 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Response to CAR-T cell therapy in glioblastoma (GB) patients is limited, particularly because of the paucity of cell surface immunotherapeutic targets or low antigen sensitivity. Moreover, tonic CAR signaling leads to T cell dysfunction eventually resulting in non-durable responses. T cell receptor-engineered T (TCR-T) cell therapy circumvents the latter limitation by allowing safe and ubiquitous targeting of the GB-derived peptidome. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type Z1 (PTPRZ1), a GB antigen associated with GB cell stemness, was previously targeted in multipeptide vaccination trials. Here, we identify a therapeutic HLA-A*02-restricted PTPRZ1-reactive TCR retrieved from a vaccinated GB patient. Single-cell sequencing of primary brain tumor samples showed PTPRZ1 overexpression exclusively in malignant cells and most pronounced in GB stem cells and astrocyte (AC)- or oligodendrocyte-progenitor (OPC)-like cells. The validated vaccine-induced TCR recognized the endogenously processed antigen without cross-reactivity to in silico predicted low-risk off-targets. PTPRZ1-specific TCR-engineered human primary T cells (PTPRZ1-TCR-T) killed target cells antigen-specifically. Intravenous adoptive cell transfer against experimental brain tumors alone was not efficacious, but the addition of intracerebroventricular administration of PTPRZ1-TCR-T resulted in potent tumor rejection. PTPRZ1-TCR-T maintained stem cell memory phenotype in vitro and in vivo. PTPRZ1-TCR-T lysed all examined HLA-A*02+ primary GB cell lines with a preference for slow-cycling GB stem cells (GSCs) and AC-like cells. To further develop PTPRZ1-TCR-T as off-the-shelf therapy for HLA-A*02 GB patients, a phase I first-in-human clinical trial INVENT4GB is in preparation.