bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The bug-killer fly Gymnosoma rotundatum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) forms the respiratory funnel independently of the host's immune response
Authors: Komagata Shin , Ogawa Kota , Tachi Takuji 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn internal parasitism, the respiration strategy within the host's body is as essential as evading attack from the host's immune system. Tachinid flies are parasitoids of terrestrial arthropods, mostly insects, during their larval stage. To obtain oxygen while living in the host body, they build a cylindrical structure known as the respiratory funnel at the aperture opened by the tachinid larva on the host integument or trachea. These funnels can be divided morphologically into sheath and cone types. Previous research on sheath-type funnels revealed that they are derived from the encapsulating substance produced by the host's immune system. In contrast, the cone-type funnels cover part of the body of the larval tachinid and may be constructed independently from the host immune system. To determine the mechanisms of cone-type funnel formation, histological observations were carried out on Gymnosoma rotundatum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae), which possesses this type of funnel. The respiratory funnel of G. rotundatum was found to be derived from the tube-shaped faeces wrapped with the peritrophic membrane and excreted by the fly larva, not from host tissue or haemocytes. Additionally, secretory glands putatively involved in the funnel formation were discovered around the larval anal plate of G. rotundatum. A comparison of funnel types within Tachinidae revealed that Phasiinae and Dexiinae have cone-type funnels, which may be created by the same mechanism as in G. rotundatum. These new findings suggest that funnel formation that does not use the host immune system is relevant to tachinid phylogeny.
Population and contact tracer uptake of New Zealand’s QR-code-based digital contact tracing app for COVID-19
Authors: Chambers Tim , Anglemyer Andrew , Chen Andrew , Atkinson June , Baker Michael G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to understand the population and contact tracer uptake of the quick response (QR)-code-based function of the New Zealand COVID Tracer App (NZCTA) used for digital contact tracing (DCT). We used a retrospective cohort of all COVID-19 cases between August 2020 and February 2022. Cases of Asian and other ethnicities were 2.6 times (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 2.58, 99 per cent confidence interval (95% CI) 2.18, 3.05) and 1.8 times (aRR 1.81, 95% CI 1.58, 2.06) more likely than Māori cases to generate a token during the Delta period, and this persisted during the Omicron period. Contact tracing organization also influenced location token generation with cases handled by National Case Investigation Service (NCIS) staff being 2.03 (95% CI 1.79, 2.30) times more likely to generate a token than cases managed by clinical staff at local Public Health Units (PHUs). Public uptake and participation in the location-based system independent of contact tracer uptake were estimated at 45%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the QR code system was estimated to be close to nil for detecting close contacts but close to 100% for detecting casual contacts. Our paper shows that the QR-code-based function of the NZCTA likely made a negligible impact on the COVID-19 response in New Zealand (NZ) in relation to isolating potential close contacts of cases but likely was effective at identifying and notifying casual contacts.
‘To his utter undoing in this world’: maintaining, contesting and crossing Hanseatic legal boundaries in medieval London and Bruges
Authors: Zoomer Ester 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The protection of privileges abroad was a recurring theme in Hanseatic conflict management. Trade rights were to be shielded from outsiders and internal mercantile conflicts were part of its own jurisdiction. However, efforts to maintain privileged trade relations in London and Bruges were complicated by the Hanse’s own transregional organization and the diverging interests of its members. This article explores the tense dynamic between institutional and individual perceptions of the Hanseatic common good. While the increasingly strict rules of membership and jurisdiction were meant to serve Hansards abroad, these regulations were continuously contested by those the Hanse sought to protect.
Safety evaluation of single-sperm cryopreservation technique applied in intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Zhang Duanjun , Yao Wenliang , Zhang Mingliang , Yang Lijuan , Li Lin , Liu Shujuan , Jiang Xianglong , Sun Yingli , Hu Shuonan , Huang Yufang , Xue Jie , Zheng Xiaoting , Xiong Qi , Chen Shenghui , Zhu Haiqin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique that directly injects a single sperm into the cytoplasm of mature oocytes. Here, we explored the safety of single-sperm cryopreservation applied in ICSI. This retrospective study enrolled 186 couples undergoing ICSI-assisted pregnancy. Subjects were allocated to the fresh sperm (group A)/single-sperm cryopreservation (group B) groups based on sperm type, with their clinical baseline/pathological data documented. We used ICSI-compliant sperm for subsequent in vitro fertilization and followed up on all subjects. The recovery rate/cryosurvival rate/sperm motility of both groups, the pregnancy/outcome of women receiving embryo transfer, and the delivery mode/neonatal-related information of women with successful deliveries were recorded. The clinical pregnancy rate, cumulative clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, premature delivery rate, live birth delivery rate, neonatal birth defect rate, and average birth weight were analyzed. The two groups showed no significant differences in age, body mass index, ovulation induction regimen, sex hormone [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH)] levels, or oocyte retrieval cycles. The sperm recovery rate (51.72%-100.00%) and resuscitation rate (62.09% ± 16.67%) in group B were higher; the sperm motility in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference and met the ICSI requirements. Group B exhibited an increased fertilization rate, decreased abortion rate, and increased safety versus group A. Compared with fresh sperm, the application of single-sperm cryopreservation in ICSI sensibly improved the fertilization rate and reduced the abortion rate, showing higher safety.
Impact of agroecological practices on farm performance in Botswana
Authors: Selelo Obakeng Tevin , Danso-Abbeam Gideon , Ogundeji Abiodun A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Despite the potential of agroecological practices to promote sustainable agrifood systems, their adoption among farmers is limited, and there is insufficient information regarding their impact on farm performance. This study evaluates the adoption of agroecological practices and their impact on farm performance among vegetable farmers in Botswana. The multivariate probit model was used to understand the complementarity and/or substitutability of the key agroecological practices under consideration—mulching, cover cropping, afforestation, and minimum tillage, as well as their determinants. Furthermore, the direct two-stage least squares (direct-2sls) technique within the framework of instrumental variable treatment effect regression (ivtreatreg) was used to eliminate self-selection bias that may be evident as a result of observed and unobserved characteristics. The results indicated that the agroecological practices are complementary and that the practice of one agroecology is conditional on another. The factors shaping the adoption of these agroecological practices vary among them. Furthermore, the adoption of agroecological practices led to a significant improvement in farmers' net revenue and yield, and farmers that did not adopt any of the practices would have been better off if they had adopted them. These findings have significant implications for stakeholders and will boost the campaign for the adoption of agroecological practices to improve farm performance and, consequently, farmers' welfare.
High‐Order Harmonics of Thermal Tides Observed in the Atmosphere of Mars by the Pressure Sensor on the InSight Lander
Authors: Hernández‐Bernal J. , Spiga A. , Forget F. , Banfield D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThermal tides are atmospheric planetary‐scale waves with periods that are harmonics of the solar day. In the Martian atmosphere thermal tides are known to be especially significant compared to any other known planet. Based on the data set of pressure timeseries produced by the InSight lander, which is unprecedented in terms of accuracy and temporal coverage, we investigate thermal tides on Mars and we find harmonics even beyond the number 24, which exceeds significantly the number of harmonics previously reported by other works. We explore comparatively the characteristics and seasonal evolution of tidal harmonics and find that even and odd harmonics exhibit some clearly differentiated trends that evolve seasonally and respond to dust events. High‐order tidal harmonics with small amplitudes could transiently interfere constructively to produce meteorologically relevant patterns.
Anti-lymphangiogenesis for boosting drug accumulation in tumors
Authors: Wang Chunling , Xu Junchao , Cheng Xiaoyu , Sun Ge , Li Fenfen , Nie Guangjun , Zhang Yinlong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe inadequate tumor accumulation of anti-cancer agents is a major shortcoming of current therapeutic drugs and remains an even more significant concern in the clinical prospects for nanomedicines. Various strategies aiming at regulating the intratumoral permeability of therapeutic drugs have been explored in preclinical studies, with a primary focus on vascular regulation and stromal reduction. However, these methods may trigger or facilitate tumor metastasis as a tradeoff. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies that boost intratumoral drug accumulation without compromising treatment outcomes. As another important factor affecting drug tumor accumulation besides vasculature and stroma, the impact of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels (LVs) has not been widely considered. In the current research, we verified that anlotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti-lymphangiogenesis activity, and SAR131675, a selective VEGFR-3 inhibitor, effectively decreased the density of tumor lymphatic vessels in mouse cancer models, further enhancing drug accumulation in tumor tissue. By combining anlotinib with therapeutic drugs, including doxorubicin (Dox), liposomal doxorubicin (Lip-Dox), and anti-PD-L1 antibody, we observed improved anti-tumor efficacy in comparison with monotherapy regimens. Meanwhile, this strategy significantly reduced tumor metastasis and elicited stronger anti-tumor immune responses. Our work describes a new, clinically transferrable approach to augmenting intratumoral drug accumulation, which shows great potential to address the current, unsatisfactory efficacies of therapeutic drugs without introducing metastatic risk.
DNA glycosylases provide antiviral defence in prokaryotes
Authors: Hossain Amer A. , Pigli Ying Z. , Baca Christian F. , Heissel Søren , Thomas Alexis , Libis Vincent K. , Burian Ján , Chappie Joshua S. , Brady Sean F. , Rice Phoebe A. , Marraffini Luciano A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBacteria have adapted to phage predation by evolving a vast assortment of defence systems1. Although anti-phage immunity genes can be identified using bioinformatic tools, the discovery of novel systems is restricted to the available prokaryotic sequence data2. Here, to overcome this limitation, we infected Escherichia coli carrying a soil metagenomic DNA library3 with the lytic coliphage T4 to isolate clones carrying protective genes. Following this approach, we identified Brig1, a DNA glycosylase that excises α-glucosyl-hydroxymethylcytosine nucleobases from the bacteriophage T4 genome to generate abasic sites and inhibit viral replication. Brig1 homologues that provide immunity against T-even phages are present in multiple phage defence loci across distinct clades of bacteria. Our study highlights the benefits of screening unsequenced DNA and reveals prokaryotic DNA glycosylases as important players in the bacteria–phage arms race.
The fasciola cinereum of the hippocampal tail as an interventional target in epilepsy
Authors: Jamiolkowski Ryan M. , Nguyen Quynh-Anh , Farrell Jordan S. , McGinn Ryan J. , Hartmann David A. , Nirschl Jeff J. , Sanchez Mateo I. , Buch Vivek P. , Soltesz Ivan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTargeted tissue ablation involving the anterior hippocampus is the standard of care for patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. However, a substantial proportion continues to suffer from seizures even after surgery. We identified the fasciola cinereum (FC) neurons of the posterior hippocampal tail as an important seizure node in both mice and humans with epilepsy. Genetically defined FC neurons were highly active during spontaneous seizures in epileptic mice, and closed-loop optogenetic inhibition of these neurons potently reduced seizure duration. Furthermore, we specifically targeted and found the prominent involvement of FC during seizures in a cohort of six patients with epilepsy. In particular, targeted lesioning of the FC in a patient reduced the seizure burden present after ablation of anterior mesial temporal structures. Thus, the FC may be a promising interventional target in epilepsy.
A psycholinguistic study of intergroup bias and its cultural propagation
Authors: Schmidtke Daniel , Kuperman Victor 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntergroup bias is the tendency for people to inflate positive regard for their in-group and derogate the out-group. Across two online experiments (N = 922) this study revisits the methodological premises of research on language as a window into intergroup bias. Experiment 1 examined (i) whether the valence (positivity) of language production differs when communicating about an in- vs. out-group, and (ii) whether the extent of this bias is influenced by the positivity of input descriptors that were initially presented to participants as examples of how an in-group or out-group characterize themselves. Experiment 2 used the linear diffusion chain method to examine how biases are transmitted through cultural generations. Valence of verbal descriptions were quantified using ratings obtained from a large-scale psycholinguistic database. The findings from Experiment 1 indicated a bias towards employing positive language in describing the in-group (exhibiting in-group favoritism), particularly in cases where the input descriptors were negative. However, there was weak evidence for increased negativity aimed at the out-group (i.e., out-group derogation). The findings from Experiment 2 demonstrated that in-group positivity bias propagated across cultural generations at a higher rate than out-group derogation. The results shed light on the formation and cultural transmission of intergroup bias.
Transcriptomics analysis of long non-coding RNAs in smooth muscle cells from patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yundung Yankey , Mohammed Shafeeq , Paneni Francesco , Reutersberg Benedikt , Rössler Fabian , Zimmermann Alexander , Pelisek Jaroslav 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and PAD is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). Growing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) significantly contribute to disease development and underlying complications, particularly affecting smooth muscle cells (SMCs). So far, no study has focused on transcriptome analysis of lncRNAs in PAD patients with and without DM. Tissue samples were obtained from our Vascular Biobank. Due to the sample’s heterogeneity, expression analysis of lncRNAs in whole tissue detected only ACTA2-AS1 with a 4.9-fold increase in PAD patients with DM. In contrast, transcriptomics of SMCs revealed 28 lncRNAs significantly differentially expressed between PAD with and without DM (FDR < 0.1). Sixteen lncRNAs were of unknown function, six were described in cancer, one connected with macrophages polarisation, and four were associated with CVDs, mainly with SMC function and phenotypic switch (NEAT1, MIR100HG, HIF1A-AS3, and MRI29B2CHG). The enrichment analysis detected additional lncRNAs H19, CARMN, FTX, and MEG3 linked with DM. Our study revealed several lncRNAs in diabetic PAD patients associated with the physiological function of SMCs. These lncRNAs might serve as potential therapeutic targets to improve the function of SMCs within the diseased tissue and, thus, the clinical outcome.
Enhancing the color gamut of waveguide displays for augmented reality head-mounted displays through spatially modulated diffraction grating
Authors: Lee Jae-Sang , Cho Seong-Hyeon , Choi Woo June , Choi Young-Wan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAugmented reality (AR) applications require displays with an extended color gamut to facilitate the presentation of increasingly immersive content. The waveguide (WG) display technology, which is typical AR demonstration method, is a critical constraint on the color gamut of AR systems because of the intrinsic properties of the holographic optical elements (HOEs) used in this technology. To overcome this limitation, we introduce a method of spatially modulated diffractive optics that can expand the color gamut of HOE-based WG displays. This approach involves spatial modulation using sub-pixelized HOEs, which enables the diffraction of red, green, and blue rays along identical directions. The proposed structure considers both the characteristics of the HOE and the wavelength sensitivity of the observer to optimize the color gamut. Consequently, an expanded color gamut was achieved. The results of the theoretical and experimental analyses substantiate the effectiveness and practicality of this method in enhancing the color gamut of HOE-based WG displays. Thus, the proposed method can facilitate the implementation of more immersive AR displays.
Building adjustment capacity to cope with running water in cultured grass carp through flow stimulation conditions
Authors: Xie Qingrong , Wang Li , Yang Shengfa , Yang Wei , Hu Jiang , Li Wenjie , Zhang Xianbing , Chen Ziwei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe adaptability of cultured fish to complex flow conditions is crucial for their survival after being released into the wild. Running water in natural environments poses significant challenges for the proliferation and release of cultured fish. This study aimed to investigate the effects of flow stimulation on the adjustment capacity of cultured fish to cope with running water. The target fish were cultured grass carp. An annular flume was used to conduct tests on training and control groups. The results demonstrated an enhancement in the adjustment capacity of cultured fish following appropriate flow stimulation training. (1) The trained fish exhibited a heightened preference for low-velocity areas. (2) The trained fish displayed the ability to select a route characterized by low energy consumption, predominantly following the periphery of the low-velocity area. This suggested that an appropriate flow velocity could improve the sensitivity of training fish to water flow information, and their adjustment capacity to cope with running water improved to a certain extent. A higher adjustment capacity allowed them to process flow rate information rapidly and identify a migration strategy with lower energy consumption. This study provides a useful reference for enhancing the survival rate of grass carp through stock enhancement initiatives and contributes to the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems.
Molecular modelling studies and in vitro enzymatic assays identified A 4-(nitrobenzyl)guanidine derivative as inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro
Authors: de Santiago-Silva Kaio Maciel , Camargo Priscila Goes , Carvalho Constant Larissa Esteves , Costa Stephany da Silva , Frensel Giovanna Barbosa , Allonso Diego , Nakazato Gerson , Lima Camilo Henrique da Silva , Bispo Marcelle de Lima Ferreira 
Published: April 2024

AbstractScientists and researchers have been searching for drugs targeting the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which is crucial for virus replication. This study employed a virtual screening based on molecular docking to identify benzoylguanidines from an in-house chemical library that can inhibit Mpro on the active site and three allosteric sites. Molecular docking was performed on the LaSMMed Chemical Library using 88 benzoylguanidine compounds. Based on their RMSD values and conserved pose, three potential inhibitors (BZG1, BZG2, and BZG3) were selected. These results indicate that BZG1 and BZG3 may bind to the active site, while BZG2 may bind to allosteric sites. Molecular dynamics data suggest that BZG2 selectively targets allosteric site 3. In vitro tests were performed to measure the proteolytic activity of rMpro. The tests showed that BZG2 has uncompetitive inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 77 µM. These findings suggest that benzoylguanidines possess potential as Mpro inhibitors and pave the way towards combating SARS-Cov-2 effectively.
An air door opening and closing time identification and stage division method based on the wind speed data of a single sensor
Authors: Song Ying , Li Shan , Shang Wentian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn mines, tunnel ventilation is monitored using wind speed sensors to measure the stability of the mine ventilation system. However, opening and closing the air door will cause violent fluctuations in the monitoring data of the wind speed sensors. When false alarms are triggered, the staff can diagnose only the mine ventilation system based on their experience. A numerical simulation method is adopted to explore the changes in the flow field during the opening and closing of the air door to address this issue. In addition, a method that is based on the wind speed data of a single sensor is proposed to identify the time and divide the stages of air door opening and closing. The experimental results showed that the proposed method can successfully identify the air door opening and closing time and apply stage division when needed.
Fuchs’ uveitis syndrome: a 20-year experience in 466 patients
Authors: Kianersi Farzan , Kianersi Hamidreza , Pourazizi Mohsen , Beni Afsaneh Naderi , Noorshargh Pegah 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFuchs Uveitis Syndrome (FUS), also known as Fuchs Heterochromic Iridocyclitis, is a chronic form of uveitis characterized by mild inflammation primarily affecting one eye. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and epidemiological features of FUS in an Iranian population. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 466 patients diagnosed with FUS at an ophthalmology center affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences between 2003 and 2021. The Kimura et al. criteria were used for FUS diagnosis. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, misdiagnosed cases, concurrent diseases, and associated ocular findings were analyzed. The study included 507 eyes of 466 FUS patients, with a mean age of 34.01 ± 11.25 years. Iris atrophy, keratic precipitates, and vitritis were common clinical findings. Heterochromia was an infrequent feature. Initial misdiagnosis occurred in 13 patients, with pars planitis being the most common incorrect diagnosis. Toxoplasmosis and multiple sclerosis were common concurrent diseases. Pediatric FUS cases were noted, possibly attributed to early-onset manifestations. Differences in clinical characteristics were observed when compared to other populations. This study provides insights into the clinical and epidemiological aspects of FUS in an Iranian population. Variations in clinical features, misdiagnosis patterns, and concurrent diseases were noted. Attention to specific clinical parameters can aid in accurate FUS diagnosis. Understanding these differences contributes to a better understanding of FUS presentation and its relationship with other diseases.