bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LINEAR AND NONLINEAR BEHAVIORS OF THE PHOTORECEPTOR COUPLED NETWORK
Authors: Pang Ji-Jie , Jiang Xiaolong , Wu Samuel M. 
Published: February 2024

Photoreceptors are electrically coupled to one another, and the spatiotemporal properties of electrical synapses in a two-dimensional retinal network are still not well-studied, because of the limitation of the single electrode or pair recording techniques which do not allowsimultaneouslymeasuring responses of multiple photoreceptors at various locations in the retina. A multiple electrode recording system is needed. In this study we investigate thenetworkproperties of the two-dimensional rod coupled array of the salamander retina (both sexes were used) by using the newly available multiple patch electrode system that allows simultaneous recordings from up to 8 cells, and to determine the electrical connectivity among multiple rods. We found direct evidence that voltage signal spread in the rod-rod coupling network in the absence of Ih(mediated by HCN channels) is passive and follows the linear cable equation. Under physiological conditions, Ihshapes the network signal by progressively shortening the response time-to-peak of distant rods, compensating the time loss of signal traveling from distant rods to bipolar cell somas and facilitating synchronization of rod output signals. Under voltage clamp conditions, current flow within the coupled rods follows Ohm's Law, supporting the idea that nonlinear behaviors of the rod network are dependent on membrane voltage. Rod-rod coupling is largely symmetrical in the 2-D array,and voltage clamp blocking the next neighboring rod largely suppresses rod signal spread into the second neighboring rod, suggesting that indirect coupling pathways play a minor role in rod-rod coupling.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study employs the newly available multiple patch electrode technique to study the network properties of photoreceptors by simultaneously recording from multiple neurons. Unraveling how the photoreceptor coupled network shapes spatiotemporal responses, voltage gains and synaptic transfer in outer retina is crucial for our understanding of how the brain senses the visual world. Moreover, the negative peak response velocity of the coupled rod network mediated by HCN channels synchronize rod signals converging to a bipolar cell and improves the temporal resolution of the rod output synapses, a strategy that may be used by other coupled neuronal networks in the brain.
Encoding of predictive associations in human prefrontal and medial temporal neurons during Pavlovian appetitive conditioning
Authors: Aquino Tomas G. , Courellis Hristos , Mamelak Adam N. , Rutishauser Ueli , O’Doherty John P. 
Published: February 2024

Pavlovian conditioning is thought to involve the formation of learned associations between stimuli and values, and between stimuli and specific features of outcomes. Here we leveraged human single neuron recordings in ventromedial prefrontal, dorsomedial frontal, hippocampus and amygdala while patients of both sexes performed an appetitive Pavlovian conditioning task probing both stimulus-value and stimulus-stimulus associations. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex encoded predictive value along with the amygdala, but also encoded predictions about the identity of stimuli that would subsequently be presented, suggesting a role for neurons in this region in encoding predictive information beyond value. Unsigned error signals were found in dorsomedial frontal areas and hippocampus, potentially supporting learning of non-value related outcome features. Our findings implicate distinct human prefrontal and medial temporal neuronal populations in mediating predictive associations which could partially support model-based mechanisms during Pavlovian conditioning.Significance statementIn this study, epilepsy patients implanted intracranially with depth microelectrodes performed a Pavlovian conditioning task. We measured single neuron activity in ventromedial prefrontal cor­tex (vmPFC), amygdala, and hippocampus, and found a representation of predictive identity coding and Pavlovian expected reward values. Additionally, unsigned error signals were found in dorsomedial frontal areas as well as hippocampus. This study thus provides a rare glimpse into the role of frontal human neurons in predictive associative learning of values and stimulus identities.
Using a Systems Thinking Approach to Increase Coastal Community Resilience against Environmental Shocks: A Case Study of Valiathura Coastal Area, India
Authors: Matovu Baker , Alkoyak-Yildiz Meltem , Lukambagire Isaac , Etta Linda A. , Bbira Yasin , Nuwategeka Expedito 
Published: February 2024

Aim of the studyGlobally, the increasing environmental shocks in coastal zones of tropical regions are crippling human-ecological systems’ interactions that promote sustainable development. The uni-dimensional nature of environmental shocks is increasing the environmental vulnerabilities of coastal people who heavily depend on marine and environmental resources. Current policies on resilience are mainly linear thus negating coastal communities’ ability to develop synergies for adaptation and mitigation.Material and methodsWe used the Iceberg model of systems thinking to identify local system dynamics in relation to vulnerability to environmental shocks and the 3 Horizons framework to qualitatively identify the preferred options that can lead to a preferred future involving avenues for increasing women’s resilience to environmental shocks in coastal areas, using Valiathura in Kerala as a case study.Results and conclusionsWe developed a novel Three Horizon (3H) framework that links current system indicators in Valiathura, which could be used to understand environmental shocks and how to navigate through such shocks. Based on the developed framework, we identified possible pathways in Valiathura that can be used by coastal people and regions in other jurisdictions to promote sustainable change from Horizon 1, and 2 to Horizon 3 such as increasing women’s knowledge of environmental shocks and leveraging the historical strategies used by coastal women to increase resilience against environmental shocks. Therefore, to develop sustainable actions in coastal zones affected by environmental shocks, a focus on understanding the dynamics of the system is key to understanding system interactions and feedback that can inform actions, which promote transformative change, for instance, related to adaptation and mitigation.
Cause of Enigmatic Upper-Mantle Earthquakes in Central Wyoming
Authors: Zhao Dapeng , Liang Xuran , Toyokuni Genti , Hua Yuanyuan , Xu Yi-Gang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Earthquakes deeper than 60 km generally occur in subducting slabs. However, on 21 September 2013 two earthquakes (M 4.8 and 3.0) occurred at ∼71 to 75 km depths in the upper mantle beneath central Wyoming in the stable North American continent, where there is no actively subducting slab at present. The cause of the two events is still unclear. Here, we present detailed 3D P-wave isotropic and anisotropic tomography down to 750 km depth under Wyoming and adjacent areas. Our result shows that the two Wyoming events took place within a high-velocity (high-V) body at 0–160 km depths, which may be part of dense continental lithosphere. Another high-V body exists at ∼300 to 500 km depths, which may reflect a remnant of the subducted Farallon slab. A significant low-velocity (low-V) zone appears at ∼200 to 300 km depths between the two high-V bodies, and the low-V zone exhibits seismic anisotropy that VP is greater in the vertical direction than that in the horizontal direction. The low-V zone may include ascending fluids from dehydration of the subducted slab remnant, which was promoted by the nearby hot Yellowstone plume. It is highly possible that the ascending fluids induced the 2013 Wyoming upper-mantle earthquakes.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Aqueous Nanobubble Dispersion
Authors: Achour Sofiane H. , Lawal Tesleem , Sheng Kai , Okuno Ryosuke 
Published: February 2024

Summary
The amount of gaseous species in water or brine can be greatly enhanced in the form of nanobubble (NB) dispersion. Aqueous NB dispersion has vast industrial applications, potentially in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration to control the mobility of gaseous species and the geochemistry associated with CO2 dissolution. Development of such NB technologies depends on a proper understanding of thermodynamic properties of aqueous NB dispersion. The objectives of this research are to analyze the thermodynamic stability of aqueous NB dispersion and to apply a thermodynamic equilibrium model to analyze experimental data.
We first present a thermodynamic formulation for modeling aqueous NB dispersion, which clarifies that aqueous NB dispersion occurs in the aqueous phase that is supersaturated by the gaseous species in the system. That is, the gaseous species are present in two modes—dispersion of gas bubbles under capillary pressure and molecule dispersion (supersaturation) in the external aqueous phase. Such a thermodynamic system is referred to as aqueous NB fluid in this research and specified by (NC + 3) variables (e.g., temperature, total volume, components’ mole numbers, and capillary pressure), in which NC is the number of components. We then present a novel implementation of the GERG-2008 equation of state (EOS) in minimization of the Helmholtz free energy to solve for equilibrium properties of aqueous NB fluid. GERG-2008 was used in this research because it is suitable for modeling an aqueous phase that is supersaturated by gaseous species.
The thermodynamic equilibrium model was applied to experimental data of aqueous NB fluid with nitrogen (N2) at pressures up to 277 bara (4,019 psia) and 295.15 K (71.6°F). Application of the model to experimental data indicates that a large fraction (0.8–0.9) of the total amount of N2 is in the form of molecule dispersion, but such supersaturation of the aqueous phase is possible because of the presence of NB dispersion with capillary pressure. That is, NB dispersion can increase the gas content in aqueous NB fluid by enabling gas supersaturation in the aqueous phase as a thermodynamic system.
Dynamic Scaling Prediction Model and Application in Near-Wellbore Formation of Ultradeep Natural Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Cao Lihu , Yuan Hua , Pan Zhaocai , Liu Zhibin , Zhang Bao , Sun Tao , Liu Jianyi , Wu Hongjun 
Published: February 2024

Summary
To address the significant scaling challenges within the near-wellbore formation of ultradeep natural gas reservoirs characterized by high temperature and high salinity, we developed a dynamic scaling prediction model. This model is specifically designed for the prediction of scaling in gas-water two-phase seepage within fractured-matrix dual-porosity reservoirs. It accounts for the concentration effects resulting from the evaporation of water on formation water ions. Our scaling model is discretely solved using the finite volume method. We also conducted on-site dynamic scaling simulations for gas wells, allowing us to precisely predict the distribution of ion concentrations in the reservoir, as well as changes in porosity and permeability properties, and the scaling law dynamics. The simulation results reveal a significant drop in formation pressure, decreasing from 105 MPa to 76.7 MPa after 7.5 years of production. The near-wellbore formation is particularly affected by severe scaling, mainly attributed to the radial pressure drop funneling effect, leading to a reduction in scaling ion concentrations in the vicinity of the wellbore. Calcium carbonate is identified as the predominant scaling component within the reservoir, while calcium sulfate serves as a secondary contributor, together accounting for roughly 85.2% of the total scaling deposits. In contrast, the scaling impact on the matrix system within the reservoir remains minimal. However, the central fracture system exhibits notable damage, with reductions of 71.2% in porosity and 59.8% in permeability. The fracture system within a 5-m radius around the wellbore is recognized as the primary area of scaling damage in the reservoir. The use of the simulation approach proposed in this study can offer valuable support for analyzing the dynamic scaling patterns in gasfield reservoirs and optimizing scaling mitigation processes.
Cancer associated fibroblasts mitigate the efficacy of the combination of chemotherapy and BCL-xL targeting in triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Souazé Frédérique , Nocquet Lisa , Roul Julie , Duarte Laurine , Campone Mario , Juin Philippe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) present a poor prognosis primarily due to their resistance to chemotherapy. This resistance is understood to associate with elevated expression of certain anti-apoptotic members within the proteins of the BCL-2 family (namely BCL-xL, MCL-1 and BCL-2). These regulate cell death by inhibiting pro-apoptotic protein activation through binding and sequestration and they can be selectively antagonized by BH3 mimetics. Yet the individual influences of BCL-xL, MCL-1, and BCL-2 on the sensitivity of TNBC cells to chemotherapy, and their regulation by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), major components of the tumor stroma and key contributors to therapy resistance remain to be delineated. By utilizing engineered TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 deficient in BCL-2 family proteins and BH3 mimetics, we show that BCL-xL and MCL-1 promote cancer cell survival by compensatory mechanisms. This cell line shows limited sensitivity to chemotherapy, in line with the clinical resistance observed in TNBC patients. We elucidate that BCL-xL plays a pivotal role in therapy response, as its depletion or pharmacological inhibition heightened chemotherapy effectiveness. Moreover, BCL-xL expression is associated to chemotherapy resistance in patient-derived tumoroids where its pharmacological inhibition enhances ex vivo response to chemotherapy. In a co-culture model of cancer cells and CAFs, we observe that even in a context where BCL-xL inhibition renders cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, those in contact with CAFs display reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus CAFs exert a profound pro-survival effect in breast cancer cells, even in a setting highly favoring cell death through combined chemotherapy and inhibition of the main actor of chemoresistance, BCL-xL.
Adaptive Web Interfaces for Inclusive Services: A Study on Designing for Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Macedo Patricia , Madeira Rui Neves , Miranda Paula , Santos Pedro Albuquerque 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: In this paper, we introduce a study focused on the creation of multimodal inclusive web interfaces to foster inclusive services, aiming to empower individuals with disabilities. The primary objective of this endeavour was to develop an online platform known as SEU, which facilitates access to offline services for persons with disabilities. SEU accomplishes this by offering user interfaces that are both accessible and adaptable, catering to the diverse needs of various user profiles.
Methods: A participatory design methodology was followed. Human-Computer Interaction Experts, Occupational Therapists, Accessibility Experts, and Persons with Disabilities participated actively during the creation process. A first usability study assessed the web platform regarding accessibility issues. This user study comprises two phases. In phase A, the online platform was assessed by the experts (Occupational Therapists and Accessibility Experts), and persons with disabilities tested the platform in phase B. The user study design included interviews, user observation and usability questionnaires posed after completing tasks in a controlled environment for one day.
Results: The platform SEU was developed to present multimodal inclusive web interfaces, which change according to the user’s disability. Four different accessibility profiles were considered: cognitive, visual, motor, and hearing impairment. In the user study, four experts and eight end-users with distinct disabilities participated. Experts consider the platform presents important features and is very well designed, providing meaningful feedback. The results obtained with the end-users were equally positive regarding the available features and the usability of the web interfaces.
Conclusions: Designing a web interface that is accessible and adaptable for users with distinct disabilities is viable and promising. The preliminary study with experts and PwD indicates they consider it an added value. However, the adaptations for users with cognitive impairments need a 1 deeper study to achieve more efficient solutions. The development of a mobile application interface was suggested by the end users, as most of them use smartphones in everyday life.
Caregiving Information Needs of Family Caregivers of Adolescent Patients with Suicide Attempts：A qualitative study in China
Authors: wang xiaoning , miao qunfang , wang jiannv , huang xiaoyu , xie wenru 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background At present, qualitative research on caregiving information is primarily centered around caregivers of individuals dealing with physical illnesses, such as cancer. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research on the caregiving requirements specific to family caregivers of adolescents who have attempted suicide, particularly in the context of Chinese cultural backgrounds. Therefore, acquiring a profound comprehension of the caregiving information essential for family caregivers attending to adolescents who have attempted suicide is crucial. This comprehension seeks to provide relevant support and guidance, aiding caregivers in obtaining essential medical information and addressing their psychological support requirements.
Methods During the period from September to December 2023, a phenomenological approach was applied in qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 family caregivers of adolescents who had experienced suicide attempts. The amassed data underwent systematic organization and analysis through the utilization of the Colaizzi method.
Results Four primary themes were identified: (1) negative emotional encounters; (2) requirements for addressing dilemmas; (3) addressing the needs of the unknown; and (4) insufficient access to support.
Conclusions Family caregivers, upon learning of a teenager's attempted suicide, undergo intricate negative emotions. Throughout the caregiving process, they encounter numerous challenges, and external support appears insufficient, leading to an increased urgency for caregiving information. Healthcare professionals bear the responsibility to furnish these caregivers with additional support information, aiding them in comprehending various coping mechanisms and support strategies to alleviate the burden of caregiving.
Genome Survey Indicated Complex Evolutionary History of Garuga Roxb. Species
Authors: Zhu Dongbo , Rao Rui , Du Yu , Mao Chunmin , Chen Rong , Hang Sun , Yue Liangliang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Garuga Roxb. is a genus endemic to southwest China and other tropical regions in Southeast Asia facing risk of extinction due to the loss of tropical forests and changes in land use. Conducting a genome survey of G. forrestii contribute to a deeper understanding and conservation of the genus.
Results
This study utilized genome survey of G. forrestii generated approximately 54.56 GB of sequence data, with approximately 112 × coverage. K-mer analysis indicated a genome size of approximately 0.48 GB, smaller than 0.52GB estimated by flow cytometry. The heterozygosity is of about 0.54%, and a repeat rate of around 51.54%. All the shotgun data were assembled into 339,729 scaffolds, with an N50 of 17,344 bp. The average content of guanine and cytosine was approximately 35.16%. A total of 330,999 SSRs were detected, with mononucleotide repeats being the most abundant at 70.16%, followed by dinucleotide repeats at 20.40%. A pseudo chromosome of G. forrestii and a gemone of Boswellia sacra were used as reference genome to perform a primer population resequencing analysis within three Garuga species. PCA indicated three distinct groups, but genome wide phylogenetics represented conflicting both between the dataset of different reference genomes and between maternal and nuclear genome.
Conclusion
In summary, the genome of G. forrestii is small, and the phylogenetic relationships within the Garuga genus are complex. The genetic data presented in this study holds significant value for comprehensive whole-genome analyses, the evaluation of population genetic diversity, investigations into adaptive evolution, the advancement of artificial breeding efforts, and the support of species conservation and restoration initiatives. Ultimately, this research contributes to reinforcing the conservation and management of natural ecosystems, promoting biodiversity conservation, and advancing sustainable development.
Fine Classification of Rice Fields in High-resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Zhao Lingyuan , Luo Zifei , Zhou Kuang , Yang Bo , Zhang Yan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fine-grained management of rice fields can enhance the yield and quality of rice crops. Challenges in achieving fine classification include interference from similar vegetation, the irregularity of natural field shapes, and complex scale variations. This paper introduces Rice Attention Cascade Network (RACNet), for the fine classification of rice fields in high-resolution satellite remote sensing imagery. The network employs the Hybrid Task Cascade (HTC) network as the base framework and uses spectral and indices mixed multimodal data as input to reinforce the feature differentiation of similar vegetation. Initially, a Channel Attention Deformable-ResNet (CAD-ResNet) was designed to enhance the feature representation of rice on different channels. Deformable convolution improves the ability of CAD-ResNet to capture irregular field shapes. Then, to address the issue of complex scale changes, the multi-scale features extracted by the CAD-ResNet are progressively fused using an Asymptotic Feature Pyramid (AFP), reducing the loss of scale information between non-adjacent layers. Experiments on the Meishan rice dataset show that the proposed method is capable of accurate instance segmentation for fragmented or irregularly shaped rice fields. The evaluation metric AP50 of RACNet reaches 50.8%.
Modified DNA-virus with Carbon-Dots: EM Morphology and Anisotropic Electric Response
Authors: Kang Kyongok , Kim Do-Hyun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Nanoscopic carbon dots have been used to monitor biocompatible DNA-strands (bacteriophage fd) with possible antimicrobial activity. Recently, carbon dots (CDs) are employed to reduce the effectiveness of air-borne viruses, by decoration of peptides. In the present study, we test the complex formation of four different types of citric acid CDs onto a charged DNA-virus (CfdV), which may serve an antigen. The adsorption effectiveness of CDs differs, depending on how they are synthesized: two of them are water-DETA based in the presence of citric acid, and the other two are DMF- and methanol-based in the presence of urea. As results, the structure of native DNA-viruses differs after adsorption of the four different types of CDs, modified ranging from the planar to twisted morphologies, as evident from Electron Microscopy (EM) by the various chemical groups involved in the complex formation. In addition, the collective microscopic dynamics of modified DNA-virus with CDs are probed both in the absence and presence of an external electric field. Here, intriguing anisotropic relaxation processes are observed in the frequency response, as interactions between the water-DETA based versus urea-based modified DNA-viruses. This work highlights a difference in the complex formation of CDs to native DNA-strands, which facilitates the way of engineering rational designs for the modified DNA-virus with carbon-dots based antigens.