bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polystyrene-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiome of marine benthic polychaetes support enhanced digestion of plastic fragments
Authors: Zhao Sufang , Liu Renju , Lv Shiwei , Zhang Benjuan , Wang Juan , Shao Zongze 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPolystyrene foam, which is used as a buoyant material in mariculture, is a common constituent of marine plastic debris. Here, we conduct analyses on polystyrene foam debris collected on the east coast of Xiamen Island, China, and associated plastic-burrowing clamworms. We apply interferometry, mass spectrometry and microscopy to polystyrene foam fragments excreted by the benthic clamworms (Perinereis vancaurica). We find evidence of polystyrene digestion and degradation during passage of the clamworm gut leading to the formation and accumulation of microplastics, with a mean diameter of 0.6 ± 0.2 mm. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of clamworm intestines indicated diverse bacterial gut microbiome, dominated by Acinetobacter and Ruegeria bacteria. Further characterization confirmed that polystyrene was degraded by representative gut isolates of Acinetobacter johnsonii, Brevibacterium casei, and Ruegeria arenilitoris. During a 30-day incubation, we observed a very slight decrease in polystyrene weight, changes in chemical group and thermal characteristic, and production of polystyrene metabolic intermediates. Our findings indicate that polystyrene-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiome of clamworms may influence plastic fragmentation and degradation in marine ecosystems.
Accurate and interpretable drug-drug interaction prediction enabled by knowledge subgraph learning
Authors: Wang Yaqing , Yang Zaifei , Yao Quanming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiscovering potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) is a long-standing challenge in clinical treatments and drug developments. Recently, deep learning techniques have been developed for DDI prediction. However, they generally require a huge number of samples, while known DDIs are rare.MethodsIn this work, we present KnowDDI, a graph neural network-based method that addresses the above challenge. KnowDDI enhances drug representations by adaptively leveraging rich neighborhood information from large biomedical knowledge graphs. Then, it learns a knowledge subgraph for each drug-pair to interpret the predicted DDI, where each of the edges is associated with a connection strength indicating the importance of a known DDI or resembling strength between a drug-pair whose connection is unknown. Thus, the lack of DDIs is implicitly compensated by the enriched drug representations and propagated drug similarities.ResultsHere we show the evaluation results of KnowDDI on two benchmark DDI datasets. Results show that KnowDDI obtains the state-of-the-art prediction performance with better interpretability. We also find that KnowDDI suffers less than existing works given a sparser knowledge graph. This indicates that the propagated drug similarities play a more important role in compensating for the lack of DDIs when the drug representations are less enriched.ConclusionsKnowDDI nicely combines the efficiency of deep learning techniques and the rich prior knowledge in biomedical knowledge graphs. As an original open-source tool, KnowDDI can help detect possible interactions in a broad range of relevant interaction prediction tasks, such as protein-protein interactions, drug-target interactions and disease-gene interactions, eventually promoting the development of biomedicine and healthcare.
TCTP regulates genotoxic stress and tumorigenicity via intercellular vesicular signaling
Authors: Amson Robert , Senff-Ribeiro Andrea , Karafin Teele , Lespagnol Alexandra , Honoré Joane , Baylot Virginie , Banroques Josette , Tanner N Kyle , Chamond Nathalie , Dimitrov Jordan D , Hoebeke Johan , Droin Nathalie M , Job Bastien , Piard Jonathan , Bommer Ulrich-Axel , Choi Kwang-Wook , Abdelfatah Sara , Efferth Thomas , Telerman Stephanie B , Geyer Felipe Correa , Reis-Filho Jorge , Telerman Adam 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOncogenic intercellular signaling is regulated by extracellular vesicles (EVs), but the underlying mechanisms remain mostly unclear. Since TCTP (translationally controlled tumor protein) is an EV component, we investigated whether it has a role in genotoxic stress signaling and malignant transformation. By generating a Tctp-inducible knockout mouse model (Tctp–/f–), we report that Tctp is required for genotoxic stress-induced apoptosis signaling via small EVs (sEVs). Human breast cancer cells knocked-down for TCTP show impaired spontaneous EV secretion, thereby reducing sEV-dependent malignant growth. Since Trp53–/– mice are prone to tumor formation, we derived tumor cells from Trp53–/–;Tctp–/f– double mutant mice and describe a drastic decrease in tumori-genicity with concomitant decrease in sEV secretion and content. Remarkably, Trp53–/–;Tctp–/f– mice show highly prolonged survival. Treatment of Trp53–/– mice with sertraline, which inhibits TCTP function, increases their survival. Mechanistically, TCTP binds DDX3, recruiting RNAs, including miRNAs, to sEVs. Our findings establish TCTP as an essential protagonist in the regulation of sEV-signaling in the context of apoptosis and tumorigenicity.
An infrared and visible image fusion network based on multi‐scale feature cascades and non‐local attention
Authors: Xu Jing , Liu Zhenjin , Fang Ming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, research on infrared and visible image fusion has mainly focused on deep learning‐based approaches, particularly deep neural networks with auto‐encoder architectures. However, these approaches suffer from problems such as insufficient feature extraction capability and inefficient fusion strategies. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel image fusion network to address the limitations of infrared and visible image fusion networks with auto‐encoder architectures. In the designed network, the encoder employs a multi‐branch cascade structure, and these convolution branches with different kernel sizes provide the encoder with an adaptive receptive field to extract multi‐scale features. In addition, the fusion layer incorporates a non‐local attention module that is inspired by the self‐attention mechanism. With its global receptive field, this module is used to build a non‐local attention fusion network, which works together with the ‐norm spatial fusion strategy to extract, split, filter, and fuse global and local features. Comparative experiments on the TNO and MSRS datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art fusion approaches.
Needles, Herbs, and Electricity: A Meta-Analysis of Traditional Eastern Medicine in the Management of Facial Paralysis
Authors: Harsinay Ariel , Patil Anusha , Ali-Khan Safi , Sweitzer Keith , Leckenby Jonathan I. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn Eastern nations, interventions like acupuncture and herbal medicine are often first-line for patients presenting with facial paralysis. Despite the rising popularity of Eastern medicine in Western nations, the literature assessing whether Eastern medicine interventions should be recommended for patients with facial paralysis is lacking. This meta-analysis aims to define what Eastern medicine interventions exist for the management of facial paralysis and assess whether current research supports these approaches as safe and effective. The PubMed and Cochrane databases were reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria consisted of peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2023 that reported on Eastern medicine, also described as, “complementary” or “alternative” interventions for facial paralysis. Effective and cured rates were the primary outcomes extracted from the literature. Interventions within these studies were categorized into six groups: (1) standard acupuncture, (2) special needle therapies, (3) needle therapy + other alternative treatments, (4) herbal medicine, (5) alternative treatments + Western medicine, and (6) Western medicine alone. A multiple-treatment meta-analysis was performed to assess differences in effective and cured rates. Fifteen studies involving Eastern medicine for the treatment of facial paralysis met the inclusion criteria. No significant differences were found in effective and cured rates across groups. Multiple quality concerns were noted, such as the lack of control groups, blinding, and randomization noted in several studies. Many studies failed to report complications, preventing conclusions from being drawn on the safety of these Eastern medicine interventions. This meta-analysis was unable to support the recommendation of Eastern medicine approaches for patients with facial paralysis. No Eastern medicine treatments, combination of Eastern medicine treatments, or Eastern medicine treatments given with Western medicine were seen to be more effective than Western medicine alone.
Homeopathic Pyrogenium Ointment as Adjuvant in Treatment of Traumatic and Infected Myiasis by Cochliomyia Hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Sheep: A Case Series
Authors: Barros Giuliano Pereira de , Leme Denise Pereira , Bricarello Patrizia Ana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background The blowfly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) causes traumatic myiasis in farm animals, with deeply embedded larvae that lead to serious tissue damage and sometimes death. Treating this form of myiasis is difficult, often resulting in poor outcomes. As a homeopathic preparation that can mimic traumatic myiasis symptoms, Pyrogenium could potentially supplement treatment. This study aimed to describe the adjuvant effect that a Pyrogenium ointment might have in the treatment of sheep with traumatic myiasis.
Patients The study reports a homeopathic adjuvant treatment with Pyrogenium 12cH ointment in six sheep with traumatic and infected myiasis. Daily clinical examinations were performed to monitor the evolution of the health of animals. Pyrogenium 12cH ointment was applied topically on the wounds, after cleaning and mechanical removal of the larvae from the lesion. Blood samples were collected for blood counts, and wound exudate samples were obtained for bacteriological examination before and after wound treatment.
Results The ointment of Pyrogenium 12cH limited the development of parasitic larvae and was associated with the repair of tissue losses resulting from the myiases and with subsequent wound healing, together with control of fever and local inflammation.
Conclusion Homeopathic Pyrogenium 12cH, formulated as an ointment, may be a useful new and adjuvant therapeutic option for treating traumatic and infected myiasis in animals.
The Use of Unlisted Billing Codes for Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Implications for Code Consolidation
Authors: Yang Alan Z. , Hyland Colby J. , Carty Matthew J. , Erdmann-Sager Jessica , Pusic Andrea L. , Broyles Justin M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Private insurers have considered consolidating the billing codes presently available for microvascular breast reconstruction. There is a need to understand how these different codes are currently distributed and used to help inform how coding consolidation may impact patients and providers.
Methods Using the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database between 2016 and 2020, patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction following mastectomy for cancer-related indications were identified. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test whether an S2068 claim was associated with insurance type and median household income by patient ZIP code. The ratio of S2068 to CPT19364 claims for privately insured patients was calculated for providers practicing in each county. Total payments for professional fees were compared between billing codes.
Results There were 272 claims for S2068 and 209 claims for CPT19364. An S2068 claim was associated with age < 45 years (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11–3.20, p = 0.019), more affluent ZIP codes (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19, p = 0.004), and private insurance (OR: 16.13, 95% CI: 7.81–33.33, p < 0.001). Median total payments from private insurers were 101% higher for S2068 than for CPT19364. In all but two counties (Worcester and Hampshire), the S-code was used more frequently than CPT19364 for their privately insured patients.
Conclusion Coding practices for microsurgical breast reconstruction lacked uniformity in Massachusetts, and payments differed greatly between S2068 and CPT19364. Patients from more affluent towns were more likely to have S-code claims. Coding consolidation could impact access, as the majority of providers in Massachusetts might need to adapt their practices if the S-code were discontinued.
Comparing the effects of two repeated reading methods on EFL learners’ reading rates
Authors: Pham Ngoc Yen Vy , Baker John R. , Nguyễn Thắng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnglish as a foreign language (EFL) learners often read at rates below recommended reading speeds needed for reading fluency. Two methods are often employed to facilitate reading rates: unassisted repeated reading (UARR) and audio-assisted repeated reading (AARR). Both approaches have demonstrated significant gains. However, the two methods’ effects have not been explored and compared in the course of one investigation. To address this, an experimental design was employed with undergraduate EFL learners (N = 50) at a university in Southern Vietnam. The results indicated that both procedures produced significant positive gains; however, the AARR showed a significantly higher effect than UARR (77.27, 44.72, p < 0.001). As no prior studies were found to have compared these two techniques, it is hoped that the findings will practically and theoretically further the literature regarding their comparative effectiveness.
An ultracompact scanning tunneling microscope within a Φ 10 piezo tube in a 20 T superconducting magnet
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Jihao , Meng Wenjie , Zhang Jing , Feng Qiyuan , Wang Ze , Lu Yalin , Hou Yubin , Lu Qingyou 
Published: March 2024

Low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/S) help to better understand the fundamental physics of condensed matter. We present an ultracompact STM within a Φ 10 piezo tube in a 20 T superconducting magnet. The carefully cut piezo tube contains the STM’s coarse-positioning assembly. Loading an STM tip–sample mechanical loop into the piezo tube with special cut openings enables an ultracompact pencil-size dimension down to Φ 10 mm, in which fine-machined nonmagnetic parts are assembled to enable slide–stick motion and xyz-scanning procedures. The small size leads to a higher resonant frequency, a typical feature of a rigid STM instrument, increasing its vibration immunity. Scanning by moving the sample while keeping the tip stationary improves the stability of the tip–sample junction compared to moving the tip. Taking advantage of its high-field compatibility and rigid design, our STM captures the atomically resolved topography of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) at 1.5 K and in magnetic fields up to 17 T. The topography of graphene lattice and graphite is simultaneously recorded on an atomic terrace of HOPG, unveiling a modified local charge density at a surface defect. The superconducting energy gaps of layered type-II superconductors NbSe2 and PdBi2 are well resolved through dI/dV tunneling spectra at sub-2 K. Our unique STM is highly suitable for potential STM/S applications in world-class high-field facilities where the strong magnetic field can exceed 30 T.
Structural dynamics around a hydrogen bond: Investigating the effect of hydrogen bond strengths on the excited state dynamics of carboxylic acid dimers
Authors: Plackett E. , Robertson C. , De Matos Loja A. , McGhee H. , Karras G. , Sazanovich I. V. , Ingle R. A. , Paterson M. J. , Minns R. S. 
Published: March 2024

The photochemical dynamics of the acetic acid and trifluoro-acetic acid dimers in hexane are studied using time-resolved infrared absorption spectroscopy and ab initio electronic structure calculations. The different hydrogen bond strengths of the two systems lead to changes in the character of the accessed excited states and in the timescales of the initial structural rearrangement that define the early time dynamics following UV excitation. The much stronger hydrogen bonding in the acetic acid dimer stabilizes the system against dissociation. Ground state recovery is mediated by a structural buckling around the hydrogen bond itself with no evidence for excited state proton transfer processes that are usually considered to drive ultrafast relaxation processes in hydrogen bonded systems. The buckling of the ring leads to relaxation through two conical intersections and the eventual reformation of the electronic and vibrational ground states on a few picosecond timescale. In trifluoro-acetic acid, the weaker hydrogen bonding interaction means that the dimer dissociates under similar irradiation conditions. The surrounding solvent cage restricts the full separation of the monomer components, meaning that the dimer is reformed and returns to the ground state structure via a similar buckled structure but over a much longer, ∼100 ps, timescale.
Quantum correlation and squeezing in pulses propagating in dispersion oscillating fibers
Authors: I Konyukhov Andrey , G Konyukhova Julia , A Melnikov Leonid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We consider the squeezing and correlation of quantum fluctuations in pulse pairs arising due to soliton fission in dispersion oscillating fibers. The dispersion oscillation acts as a time-domain pulse splitter. After the split, the pulses interact via their tails and acquire nonzero correlations. We analyze the correlation pattern using Karhunen–Loève mode expansion. The regime of high intrapulse and interpulse correlations can be described using single Karhunen–Loève mode. The regime with partial pulse-to-pulse correlation requires to take into account at least two Karhunen–Loève modes. We found that the soliton fission in dispersion oscillating fibers allows to generate squeezed states with highly correlated fluctuations in the output pulses.
The geometry of photopolymerized topography influences neurite pathfinding by directing growth cone morphology and migration
Authors: Vecchi Joseph T , Rhomberg Madeline , Guymon C Allan , Hansen Marlan R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective. Cochlear implants provide auditory perception to those with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss: however, the quality of sound perceived by users does not approximate natural hearing. This limitation is due in part to the large physical gap between the stimulating electrodes and their target neurons. Therefore, directing the controlled outgrowth of processes from spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) into close proximity to the electrode array could provide significantly increased hearing function. Approach. For this objective to be properly designed and implemented, the ability and limits of SGN neurites to be guided must first be determined. In this work, we engineer precise topographical microfeatures with angle turn challenges of various geometries to study SGN pathfinding and use live imaging to better understand how neurite growth is guided by these cues. Main Results. We find that the geometry of the angled microfeatures determines the ability of neurites to navigate the angled microfeature turns. SGN neurite pathfinding fidelity is increased by 20%–70% through minor increases in microfeature amplitude (depth) and by 25% if the angle of the patterned turn is made obtuse. Further, we see that dorsal root ganglion neuron growth cones change their morphology and migration to become more elongated within microfeatures. Our observations also indicate complexities in studying neurite turning. First, as the growth cone pathfinds in response to the various cues, the associated neurite often reorients across the angle topographical microfeatures. Additionally, neurite branching is observed in response to topographical guidance cues, most frequently when turning decisions are most uncertain. Significance. Overall, the multi-angle channel micropatterned substrate is a versatile and efficient system to assess neurite turning and pathfinding in response to topographical cues. These findings represent fundamental principles of neurite pathfinding that will be essential to consider for the design of 3D systems aiming to guide neurite growth in vivo.
Ecological transition for the gas mixtures of the MRPC cosmic ray telescopes of the EEE Project
Authors: Ripoli C. , Abbrescia M. , Avanzini C. , Baldini L. , Baldini Ferroli R. , Batignani G. , Battaglieri M. , Boi S. , Bossini E. , Carnesecchi F. , Cavazza D. , Cicalò C. , Cifarelli L. , Coccetti F. , Coccia E. , Corvaglia A. , De Gruttola D. , De Pasquale S. , Galante L. , Garbini M. , Gnesi I. , Grazzi S. , Hatzifotiadou D. , La Rocca P. , Liu Z. , Lombardo L. , Mandaglio G. , Margotti A. , Maron G. , Mazziotta M.N. , Mulliri A. , Nania R. , Noferini F. , Nozzoli F. , Palmonari F. , Panareo M. , Panetta M.P. , Paoletti R. , Parvis M. , Pellegrino C. , Perasso L. , Pinazza O. , Pinto C. , Pisano S. , Riggi F. , Righini G. , Rizzi M. , Sartorelli G. , Scapparone E. , Schioppa M. , Scioli G. , Scribano A. , Selvi M. , Taiuti M. , Terreni G. , Trifirò A. , Trimarchi M. , Vistoli C. , Votano L. , Williams M.C.S. , Zichichi A. , Zuyeuski R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Extreme Energy Events (EEE) Collaboration is fully involved in an ecological transition. The use of the standard gas mixture, C2H2F4 + SF6, has stopped in favor of an alternative green mixture based on C3H2F4 with the addition of He or CO2.
The choise of these new mixtures is motivated by the significant lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) to reduce the emission of gases potentially contributing to the greenhouse effect.
The EEE experiment consists of 61 muon telescopes based on Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs), each telescope composed of 3 chambers filled with gas.
Several EEE detectors are today completely fluxed with the new ecological mixture. This contribution will report recent results about the telescope performance obtained from studies with the eco-friendly alternative mixture carried out in the last years.