bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical and biological effects on moths' navigation performance
Authors: Golov Yiftach , Gurka Roi , Liberzon Alexander , Harari Ally 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In odor-mediated insect navigation, the local olfactory environment of an organism is defined as an odorscape. Using the nocturnal pink bollworm moth (Pectinophora gossypiella), we tested the combined effect of bio-physical aspects in the moth's immediate odorscape to shed light on the intertwined impacts of natural and sexual selection pressures on the moths' navigation performances. Three key factors were tested: The quality of the females as reflected in their emitted pheromones, ii) the availability of pheromone resources, and iii) the airflow characteristics. The navigation performance of the males was investigated using a wind tunnel assay equipped with 3D infrared high-speed cameras. The navigation patterns of the males were analyzed using ethological and biomechanical parameters.
The results indicate that natural and sexual selection play an important role in the pheromone-mediated navigation of male moths with the role of natural selection overrides that of sexual selection. During his mate-finding navigation, the male moth applies a decision-making process weighting information from the odorscapes' biological and physical characteristics, trading off the cost of flying under different flow conditions, the availability of different odor sources, and their quality.
Ultrahigh-gain colloidal quantum dot infrared photodetectors: Unraveling the potential of electro-kinetically pumped charge multiplication
Authors: Kim Byeongsu , Lee Sang Yeon , Ko Hyunseok , Lee Jihyung , Song Hyejeong , Cho Sungjun , Lee Min-Ho , Lee Jung-Yong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising candidates for infrared photodetectors (IRPDs) with high detectivity (D*) and low-cost production. However, the incoherent hopping of charge carriers often causes low carrier mobility and inefficient charge extraction, leading to low detectivity in CQD-based IRPDs. Although photo-induced charge multiplication, in which high-energy photons create multiple electrons, is a viable alternative for enhancing the signal amplitude and detectivity, its capability is limited in IR detectors because of its susceptibility to thermal noise in low-bandgap materials. Herein, we present, for the first time, a pioneering architecture of a CQD-based IRPD that employs kinetically pumped charge multiplication. This is achieved by employing a thick CQD layer (> 540 nm) and subjecting it to a strong electric field. This configuration accelerates electrons to acquire kinetic energy, surpassing the bandgap of the CQD material, thereby initiating kinetically pumped charge multiplication. We also demonstrate that optimizing the dot-to-dot distance to approximately 4.1 nm yields superior device performance because of the tradeoff between increased impact ionization rates and diminished electron-hopping probabilities with increasing dot-to-dot distance. The optimal CQD-based IRPD exhibited a maximum multiplication gain of 85 and a peak detectivity (D*) of 1.4×1014 Jones at a wavelength of 940 nm.
Classification and prediction of pulmonary tuberculosis infection in HIV/AIDS patients based on XGboost algorithm
Authors: Yuan Qing , Tuersun Abudouresuli , You Yi , Huang Chencui , Abudoubari Saimaitikari , Chen Wenbing , Zou Xiaoguang , Nijiati Mayidili 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Describe the current epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) infection in Kashgar region, analyze the factors affecting HIV/AIDS complicated with PTB infection, and use XGboost model to classify and predict the risk of PTB infection in HIV/AIDS patients, so as to improve the level of protection of residents.
Methods
By collecting the data of HIV/AIDS patients in Kashgar area, the patients were divided into simple HIV/AIDS group and double infection group according to whether they had PTB. The prevalence of patients with double infection was described and the influencing factors of double infection were analyzed. All study subjects were divided into a train set and a test set with a ratio of 8:2. Linear models penalized with the L1 norm was selected as the feature selection method. With XGBoost and logistic regression algorithms, prediction models for the risk of PTB infection in HIV/AIDS patients were constructed. ROC curve, delong test, decision curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the model effect.
Results
The PTB infection rate among HIV/AIDS patients was 33.6%. Residing in Kashgar, initial CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 cells/mm3, and white blood cell count of 4 ~ 10×10^9/L and > 10×10^9/L were associated with an increased risk of PTB in HIV/AIDS patients, whereas being a worker or farmer and having WHO clinical stage II were protective factors. The logistic regression model achieved an AUC of 0.6962 on the training set and 0.6681 on the test set, while the XGBoost model had an AUC of 0.9027 on the training set and 0.8026 on the test set. The Delong test P-values for the training set and test set were < 0.001 and 0.009, respectively, indicating superior predictive performance of the XGBoost model.
Conclusions
The dual infection rate of HIV/AIDS patients with PTB in Kashgar is high, and timely intervention should be performed for HIV/AIDS patients living in Kashgar with initial CD4 lymphocyte count < 200 cells/mm3, white blood cell count of 4 ~ 10×10^9/L and > 10×10^9/L. Moreover the XGboost model has better predictive efficacy than the logistic regression model, indicating that it can be used to classify and predict PTB infection in HIV/AIDS patients.
Social Media and the Mental Health of Users in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kituyi Geoffrey Mayoka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The study applies social learning theories to understand how users of social media platforms learn new health behaviors that affect their mental health – either negatively or positively. The research hypotheses were; H1: Outcome Expectations have a positive effect on the External Locus of Control of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa, and H2: External Locus of Control positively affects the mental health of social media users in Sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study approach was applied with quantitative research methods. Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to a sample of 450 social media users from three African countries including Cameroon, Uganda and Nigeria. Each country had a sample of 150 for the study. Findings revealed a negative significant relationship between Outcome Expectations and External Locus of Control, implying that H1 was not supported. On the other hand, there was a positive significant relationship between External Locus of Control on mental health, implying that H2 was supported. Since Outcome Expectations were found to positively affect External Locus of Control of social media users, it is important for social media platforms to be designed in such a way that they will make its users better and more acceptable people in society. Further, we recommend online community education, sensitization and policing to help educate the careless learners on the dangers of learning bad behaviors that negatively affect their mental health. In terms of policy, governments should enact laws that force social media developers to use local content. Using local content will ensure that only appropriate information is consumed by citizens via social media.
Nonlinear dynamic modeling and dynamic characteristics analysis of a coaxial reverse closed differential herringbone gear transmission system considering floating backlash
Authors: Han Hao , Dong Hao , Zhang Dong-bo , Bi Yue 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A nonlinear dynamic model of Bending-Torsional-Axial-Pendular (BTAP) has been developed for a Coaxial Reverse Closed Differential Herringbone Gear Transmission System (CRCDHGTS) with consideration of gear floating. This model takes into account factors such as gear floating backlash, tooth surface friction, gyroscopic effect, Time Varying Meshing Stiffness (TVMS), meshing damping, and dynamic meshing parameters. To investigate the impact of gear floating on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system, a gear floating model was developed using the concept of gear floating. The calculations included determining gear floating backlash and TVMS with consideration for gear floating. The impact of input speed, initial backlash, gear float value, and system transmission error on the nonlinear dynamic vibration characteristics is analyzed using various diagrams including bifurcation diagram, Maximum Lyapunov Exponent (MLE), time history diagram, frequency diagram, phase diagram, and Poincaré section diagram. The research reveals that gear floating diminish the chaotic motion behavior of the system under different excitation factors, improving the system's global bifurcation characteristics. The developed BTAP coupled nonlinear dynamic model provides more accurate numerical solutions compared to models with fixed meshing parameters, making it more suitable for analyzing the system's dynamic characteristics. Analysis of the gear floating value indicates an optimal range of 0-20μm and 34-43μm for generating periodic motion, with floating values around 10-20μm showing better performance in reducing the negative effects of initial backlash and transmission error.
Characterisation of process-induced defects in polymeric strut-based lattice structures produced by powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process
Authors: Amirian Amirali , Battley Mark , Amirpour Maedeh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Additive manufacturing processes can be utilised to fabricate lattice structures with robust mechanical performance and high energy-absorbing capacity, which have garnered significant attention in various sectors, such as aerospace, automobile, and bioengineering industries. Despite the advantages of 3D printing technologies, such as fabricating highly complex workpieces at low costs, additive manufacturing processes can cause defects and imperfections in final products that might degrade the desired mechanical properties. To gain insights into the effects of process-induced defects on the mechanical performance of lattice structures, and to optimise the printing parameters and lattice design for obtaining structures with minimum imperfections, detailed characterisation of manufacturing-induced defects is necessary. This study investigates the characteristics of process-induced defects in a polymeric BCC lattice structure created via the powder bed fusion process. X-ray computed tomography (CT) techniques are used to scan the printed lattice. Then, image processing methods, utilising MATLAB scripts, are developed to extract the characteristics (morphology and distribution) of imperfections. The image processing results reveal that geometry-related defects (i.e. thickness variation and the deviation of strut cross-sectional shape) and internal voids exist in the 3D-printed sample. The distribution patterns of defects indicate that geometric imperfections are more pronounced near the strut junctions. Detailed characterisation of internal voids’ shape, including 3D dimensions, aspect ratio, and orientation, which have been rarely investigated in previous studies, are explored in this research. The morphology of internal voids and the correlation between the size of voids and powder particles suggest that lack of fusion has led to void formation.
Effect of local transplantation of cultured macrophage loaded in mesenchymal stem cell/ macrophage culture supernatants on wound healing in rat
Authors: Mozaffari Nima , Mohammadi Rahim , Delirezh Nowruz , Hobbenaghi Rahim , Mohammadi Vahid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Wound healing is an orderly sequence of events restoring the integrity of the damaged tissue and consists of inflammatory, proliferation, and remodeling phases. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of local transplantation of cultured macrophage loaded in mesenchymal stem cell/macrophage culture supernatants on wound healing.
Results: Sixty-four healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups of sixteen animals each: 1) SHAM group. 2) MAC-MSC/SN group: One milliliter application of a mixture comprising mesenchymal stem cell and macrophage culture supernatants in a 1:1 ratio was administered locally to the wound bed. 3) MAC group: Local transplantation of one million macrophage cells cultured in the wound bed. 4) MAC + MAC-MSC/SN group: Local transplantation of cultured macrophage in combination with mesenchymal stem cell/ macrophage culture supernatants in the wound bed. An incisional wound model was used for biomechanical studies, while an excisional wound model was used for biochemical, histopathological, and planimetric assessments. The wound area was significantly reduced in the MAC + MAC-MSC/SN group compared to other groups (P > 0.05). Biomechanical measurements from the MAC + MAC-MSC/SN group were significantly higher compared to other experimental groups (P > 0.05). Biochemical and quantitative histopathological analyses revealed a significant difference between MAC + MAC-MSC/SN and other groups (P > 0.05). MAC + MAC-MSC/SN showed the potential to improve wound healing significantly. This appears to work by angiogenesis stimulation, fibroblast proliferation, inflammation reduction, and granulation tissue formation during the initial stages of the healing process. This accelerated healing leads to earlier wound area reduction and enhanced tensile strength of the damaged area due to the reorganization of granulation tissue and collagen fibers.
Conclusion: Local transplantation of cultured macrophage loaded in mesenchymal stem cell/macrophage culture supernatants had potential advantages in wound healing.
Physics-Based Evolution of Cholesterol-Attracting Transmembrane Helices: Deciphering Cholesterol Attraction in Native Membrane Proteins
Authors: Risselada Herre 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The existence of linear cholesterol-recognition motifs in alpha-helical transmembrane domains has long been debated. Our study introduces an innovative approach, evolutionary molecular dynamics (Evo-MD), which utilizes a genetic algorithm guided by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Through Evo-MD, we successfully determine the thermodynamic optimum for cholesterol attraction within isolated alpha-helical transmembrane domains (TMDs). Our investigation uncovers that cholesterol attraction in membrane proteins features a distinct and well-defined global thermodynamic optimum. This optimum arises from two key structural features: hydrophobic slenderness and hydrophobic mismatch. Additional support for these findings is provided by atomistic simulations and solid-state NMR experiments.

Furthermore, we thoroughly analyze membrane protein databases and conduct live cell assays using analogous short hydrophobic sequences to explore the occurrence and feasibility of these features. Our results reveal surprising deviations from thermodynamic optimality in cholesterol attraction within native proteins. In particular, our analysis challenges the conventional belief that linear motifs such as the CRAC/CARC motif enhance cholesterol binding. Instead, we propose a rationalization that conserved aromatic residues, crucial components of the CRAC/CARC motif, likely promote dimerization by modulating membrane solubility in a cholesterol-dependent manner, rather than enhancing the binding of cholesterol.

In summary, our study resolves the long-standing debate regarding linear cholesterol-recognition motifs and reveals the presence of sub-optimal cholesterol attraction in native alpha-helical transmembrane domains. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of cholesterol-protein interactions and offer valuable insights into an alternative functional role played by conserved aromatic residues in membrane protein biology
Ten principles for transforming economics in a time of global crises
Authors: Kenter Jasper , Martino Simone , Buckton Sam , Waddock Sandra , Agarwal Bina , Anger-Kraavi Annela , Costanza Robert , Hejnowicz Adam , Jones Peter , Lafayette Jordan , Kabubo-Mariara Jane , Mukherjee Nibedita , Pickett Kate , Riedy Chris , Waddell Steve 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Transformation of economic systems is widely regarded as an essential strategy to tackle interacting global crises. In response, there are diverse transformative approaches seeking holistic human and planetary wellbeing. However, mainstreaming these ‘new’ economic approaches is hampered by vested interests and intellectual lock-in. They are also diffuse and struggling to develop sufficient discursive power to gain more widespread traction in policy. To bring coherence, we undertake a qualitative content analysis of diverse transformative new economic document sources from science and practice, synthesizing ten ecological, social, political economy and holistic principles cutting across 38 approaches. They include: (1) social-ecological embeddedness and holistic wellbeing; (2) interdisciplinarity and complexity thinking; (3) limits to growth; (4) limited substitutability of natural capital; (5) regenerative design; (6) holistic perspectives of people and values; (7) equity, equality, and justice; (8) relationality and social enfranchisement; (9) participation, deliberation, and cooperation; and (10) post-capitalism and decolonization. We also consider opportunities and barriers for applying these principles in the context of global crises. Future efforts can further consolidate transformative new economics through building discourse coalitions between approaches, synthesizing methodologies and conceptual models, and validating principles more explicitly within Global South contexts.
Effect of different diameter stents on clinical outcomes of TIPS for variceal rebleeding: A multicenter clinical study
Authors: Xia Yifu , Tie Jun , Ge Ruiyin , Wang Guangchuan , Zhuge Yuzheng , Wu Hao , Xue Hui , Xu Jiao , Zhang Feng , Zhao Lianhui , Huang Guangjun , Zhang Mingyan , Li Zhen , Wei Bo , Li Peijie , Wu Wei , Chen Chao , Tang Chengwei , Zhang Chunqing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Performing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with different diameter stents leads to different portal pressure gradients and clinical outcomes. However, which diameter is more beneficial is unclear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of using 6-, 8-, and 10-mm stents in the prevention of variceal rebleeding among patients with advanced cirrhosis.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt across six medical centers between January 2010 and June 2020. The primary endpoint was death; secondary endpoints included rebleeding, overt hepatic encephalopathy, and shunt dysfunction. Propensity score matching was performed among stent diameter groups.
Results
Overall, 1,688 patients were included in the study; 6-, 8-, and 10-mm diameter stents were used in 95, 1504, and 89 patients, respectively. As for survival, only the 8-mm group had a lower mortality rate than the 10-mm group (56.3% vs. 59.4%; p = 0.029). The 6-mm group had a higher rebleeding rate than those in the 8- and 10-mm groups (62.5% vs. 38.4% and 22.0%, respectively; both p < 0.001). The 6- and 8-mm groups exhibited lower overt hepatic encephalopathy rates than that in the 10-mm group (36.1% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.029; 42.4% vs. 50.0%, log-rank p = 0.021). The 6- and 8-mm groups exhibited higher shunt dysfunction rates than that in the 10-mm group (45.6% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.005; 32.24% vs. 17.61%, p = 0.024).
Conclusions
Compared with 6- and 10-mm diameters, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with 8-mm stents is optimal to balance rebleeding prevention and overt hepatic encephalopathy risk reduction for patients with advanced cirrhosis; overall survival was not impacted.
Cooperation dynamics in social dilemmas with individual preference and environmental feedback
Authors: sun chang , Tian Haiyan , Adetowubo Adenike Yeside , zhang gang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A certain degree of individual preference and the interference of external environment have an important influence on two-player social dilemmas. In this paper, we propose an evolutionary model with individual preference and environmental feedback. Based on different parameter values, the global dynamics exhibit the state of internal equilibrium, persistent oscillations, the level of the highest cooperation and the richest environment, or the level of the lowest cooperation and the poorest environment. The results obtained are validated by numerical simulations. These results emphasize the importance of individual preference and provide a new perspective for promoting the evolution of cooperation.
Quantitative trait loci sequencing and genetic mapping reveal two main regulatory genes for stem color in wax gourds
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Wang Peng , Bai Wenhui , Deng Yan , Cheng Zhikui , Su Liwen , Nong Lifeng , Liu Ting , Yang Wenrui , Yang Xiping , Liu Zhengguo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Owing to its nutritional and health benefits, wax gourd [Benincasa hispida (Thunb) Cogn. (2n = 2x = 24)] is a staple vegetable variety in China, especially southern China [1, 2]. Stem color is an important agronomic trait of wax gourds; however, its regulatory genes have not been identified.
Methods
In this study, 105 inbred lines constructed from two parents (GX-71 and MY-1) were sequenced again, and quantitative trait loci sequencing (QTL-seq) was used to mine the genes that regulate stem color in wax gourds.
Results
Two QTLs related to stem color, qSC5 and qSC12, were identified. QTL localization revealed, for the first time, that the stem color QTL qSC5 and qSC12 are located on Chr05 (11,134,567–16,459,268) and Chr12 (74,618,168–75,712,335), respectively. The explainable phenotypic variation rate and maximum limit of detection(LOD)of qSC5 were 36.9% and 16.9, respectively, while those of qSC12 were 20.9% and 11.2, respectively. Additionally, Bch05G003950 (named BchAPRR2) and Bch12G020400 were identified as candidate genes involved in stem color regulation in wax gourds. Moreover, the chlorophyll content and fluorescence expression levels of BchAPRR2 and Bch12G020400 were significantly higher in green-stemmed wax gourds than those in white-stemmed ones. Therefore, BchAPRR2 and Bch12G020400 were considered the main and secondary regulatory genes for wax gourd stem color, respectively. Finally, InDel markers closely linked to BchAPRR2 were developed to validate the prediction of wax gourd stem color traits in 55 germplasm lines, with an accuracy of 81.8%.
Conclusions
This study identified the main and secondary genes regulating stem color in wax gourds; these findings lay the foundation for exploring the genetic regulation of wax gourd stem color and future research on wax gourd breeding.