bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Piezo channel is central to the mechano-sensitive channel complex in the mammalian inner ear.
Authors: Lee Jeong-Han , Perez-Flores Cristina , Park Seojin , Kim Hyo J , Chen Yingying , Kang Mincheol , Kersigo Jennifer , Choi Jinsil , Thai Phung , Woltz Ryan , Perkins Guy , Sihn Choong-Ryoul , Fritzsch Bernd , Trinh Pauline , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Perez-Flores Dolores , Sirish Padmini , Dong Yao , Pessah Isaac , Wei Feng , Dixon Rose , Sokolowski Bernd , Yamoah Ebenezer 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The inner ear is the hub where hair cells transduce sound, gravity, and head acceleration stimuli carried by neural codes to the brain. Of all the senses, hearing and balance, which rely on mechanosensation, are the fastest sensory signals transmitted to the central nervous system. The mechanoelectrical transducer (MET) channel in hair cells is the entryway for the sound-balance-brain interface, but the channel's composition has eluded biologists due to its complexity. Here, we report that the mouse utilizes Piezo1 (Pz1) and Piezo2 (Pz2) isoforms as central components of the MET complex. The Pz channel subunits are expressed in hair-cell stereocilia, are co-localized and co-assembled, and are essential components of the MET complex in vitro and in situ, including integration with the transmembrane channel (Tmc1/2) protein. Mice expressing non-functional Pz1 and Pz2, but not functional Pz1 at the ROSA26 locus under the control of hair-cell promoters, have impaired auditory and vestibular traits that can only be explained if Pz channel multimers are integral to the MET complex. We affirm that Pz protein subunits constitute MET channels and that functional interactions with components of the MET complex yield current properties resembling hair-cell MET currents. Our results demonstrate Pz is a MET channel component central to interacting with MET complex proteins. Results account for the MET channel pore and complex.
Efficacy of Dry Cupping versus Counselling with Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy Approach (MBCT) on Fertility Quality of Life and Conception Success in Infertile Women due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Baghbani Fahimeh , Alidousti Katayoun , Parvizi Mohammad Mahdi , Ahmadi Atefeh , Alamdarloo Shaghayegh Moradi , Jaladat Amir Mohammad , Atarzadeh Fatemeh 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Infertility is a common problem in the world that can have devastating effects on women’s quality of life. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent causes of female infertility. There is still no definitive treatment for infertility due to PCOS. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effectiveness of dry cupping and counselling with the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) approach on the fertility quality of life and conception success in infertile women due to PCOS, referring to health centers of Shiraz, Iran, 2021–2022.
METHODS
This study was a randomized pilot clinical trial. After assessing 350 infertile women referred to health centers of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 21 Dec 2021 to 21 Apr 2022, 19 people fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (10 in the counselling group and 9 in the cupping group). Counselling group received eight weekly sessions/ 90 minutes of MBCT at one week and in the cupping group, dry cupping was performed twice/per week during non-menstrual days for two months by a traditional medicine expert. All participants completed the FertiQol questionnaire before the intervention and three months after the end of the intervention. In addition, during three months after the end of the intervention, a pregnancy test was performed every month for all of them. Data were analyzed by Stata 14.2.
RESULTS
Based on the result of this study, after the intervention the mean overall scores of FertiQol in the counselling group were significantly higher than the cupping group (P = 0.091, MD = 11.1) and after adjusting the results, the difference between the average scores of the two groups increased after the interventions (P = 0.030, MD = 11.66). Also, the evaluation of the conception rate in the two groups didn’t show any significant difference.
CONCLUSION
Results showed the effectiveness of MBCT on fertility quality of life in infertility caused by PCOS. Due to the lack of significant difference between the conception rate between the two groups, studies with larger sample size and a control group are recommended to obtain more generalizable results.
Trial registration:
The trial protocol was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial on 05/11/2021, IRCT Id: IRCT201706110334452N13 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/55048).
Assessing the synergistic reduction effects of Environmental Protection Tax and Environmental Protection Subsidy in China
Authors: Duan Shu , Zhang Xinyuan , Lu Yuzhong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Under the goal of achieving green transformation and upgrading the economy and society, it is of great practical significance to study environmental protection tax, environmental protection subsidy and carbon emission intensity of enterprises. Based on the data of A-share listed companies in China from 2009 to 2020, this paper empirically investigates the impact of environmental taxes and subsidies on the carbon emission intensity of enterprises. The results show that: (i) The single effect of environmental protection tax, and the synergistic effect with environmental subsidies effectively curb the carbon emission intensity of enterprises. (ii) The synergistic effect can suppress the carbon emission intensity of enterprises by enhancing the level of green innovation. (iii) The synergistic effect effectively suppresses the carbon emission intensity of non-high-tech industries, large enterprises, and east-central enterprises. The above findings not only enrich the literature related to carbon emission intensity but also provide useful insights for the government to study how to use environmental protection tax and environmental protection subsidy to curb carbon intensity and provide references on how to implement policies.
Transcriptomic comparison of the royal jelly proteins coded in the hypopharyngeal glands of Apis mellifera and Geotrigona acapulconis
Authors: Corzo Erika , Clement Herlinda , Corzo Gerardo , Peña Guadalupe , Cid-Uribe Jimena I 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Apis mellifera and Geotrigona acapulconis are two members of Apidae family with large morphological differences; that is G. acapulconis is stingless, smaller in size, lack of yellow pigmentation, different nest building and hive structure, among other differences. We also suggest that there are biochemical differences between A. mellifera and G. acapulconis related to the composition of their Royal Jelly proteins (RJPs) and Yellow family proteins (YFPs). For instances, it has been reported that RJPs are involved in larval development of A. mellifera, and the YFPs play an important role in pigmentation in these arthropods. In this work, the protein composition of RJPs and YFPs were investigated indirectly by performing transcriptome analysis of the hypopharyngeal glands (HG), which are the RJP and YFPs producers. The results showed the presence of transcripts coding for RJPs in both bees. These proteins belonging to the Major Royal Jelly proteins (MRJPs) only recorded in A. mellifera and YFPs, which were identified here in both bees, but in different proportions. Additionally, MRJPs were only found in A. mellifera. Yet, coding sequences of these type proteins were found as Royal Jelly protein-like (RJPL) in G. acalpuconis, which are evolved from the MRJP. Furthermore, the differences found between yellow proteins (YPs) could be directly associated to the color of such bees, and the lack of MRJPs in G. acapulconis, that are important for larval nutrition and development, could be a consequence of a poor development of the larvae. On the other hand, some of the differences could be the result of their different behavior. Some MRJPs are required for defense of the larvae against pathogens, which are related to the differences in their biological cycle. Unfortunately, other functions of RJPs are not yet fully characterized; so, it is imperative to continue the research of the functions of RJPs in bees for a better understanding of their biological role.
Dedicated bacterial esterases reverse lipopolysaccharide ubiquitylation to block immune sensing
Authors: Szczesna Magdalena , Huang Yizhou , Lacoursiere Rachel , Bonini Francesca , Pol Vito , Koc Fulya , Ward Beatrice , Geurink Paul , Pruneda Jonathan , Thurston Teresa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria have evolved diverse mechanisms to counteract cell-autonomous immunity, which otherwise guards both immune and non-immune cells from the onset of an infection1,2. The versatile immunity protein Ring finger protein 213 (RNF213)3–6 mediates the non-canonical ester-linked ubiquitylation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), marking bacteria that sporadically enter the cytosol for destruction by antibacterial autophagy4. However, whether cytosol-adapted pathogens are ubiquitylated on their LPS and whether they escape RNF213-mediated immunity, remains unknown. Here we show that Burkholderia deubiquitylase (DUB), TssM7–9, is a potent esterase that directly reverses the ubiquitylation of LPS. Without TssM, cytosolic Burkholderia became coated in polyubiquitin and autophagy receptors in an RNF213-dependent fashion. Whereas the expression of TssM was sufficient to enable the replication of the non-cytosol adapted pathogen Salmonella, we demonstrate that Burkholderia has evolved a multi-layered defence system to proliferate in the host cell cytosol, including a block in antibacterial autophagy10–12. Structural analysis provided insight into the molecular basis of TssM esterase activity, allowing it to be uncoupled from isopeptidase function. TssM homologs conserved in another Gram-negative pathogen also reversed non-canonical LPS ubiquitylation, establishing esterase activity as a bacterial virulence mechanism to subvert host cell-autonomous immunity.
How does blockchain technology affect the development of green finance? Theoretical analysis and empirical verification
Authors: Jiang Jinxing , Li Juncheng , Wang Wenwei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Facing the problem of a lack of endogenous incentive mechanisms for the development of green finance, we regard blockchain technology as an institutional technology and elevate it to the height of governance mechanisms. Using a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model framework, we compare and analyze its effects with traditional supportive policies such as fiscal subsidies. The modeling simulation results show that the blockchain green finance platform model is conducive to better promoting the development of green finance. Subsequently, we construct a financial technology development index centered on blockchain technology and empirically test the impact of blockchain financial technology on the level of green finance development from both the supply and demand sides. The results show that the development of blockchain financial technology has significantly increased the scale of green credit issuance and effectively eased the financing constraints of green enterprises, reducing financing costs. We conduct an economic analysis of the impact of blockchain financial technology on the development of green finance, providing a feasible path for the integration and development of green finance and financial technology.
Spin-polarized correlated insulator in monolayer MoTe2-x
Authors: Zhang Chendong , Pan Zemin , xiong wenqi , Dai Jiaqi , Wang Yunhua , Jian Tao , Cui Xingxia , Deng Jinghao , Lin Xiaoyu , Cheng Zhengbo , Bai Yusong , Zhu Chao , Huo Da , Li Geng , Feng Min , He Jun , Ji Wei , Yuan Shengjun , Wu Fengcheng , Gao Hong-Jun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Flat electronic bands near the Fermi level provide a fertile playground for realizing interaction-driven correlated physics. To date, related experiments have mostly been limited to engineered multilayer systems (e.g., moiré systems). Herein, we report an experimental realization of nearly flat bands across the Fermi level in monolayer MoTe2-x by fabricating a uniformly ordered mirror-twin boundary superlattice (corresponding to a stoichiometry of MoTe56/33). The kagome flat bands are discovered by combining scanning tunnelling microscopy and theoretical calculations. The partial filling nature of flat bands yields a correlated insulating state exhibiting a hard gap as large as 15 meV. Moreover, we observe pronounced responses of the correlated states to magnetic fields, providing evidence for a spin-polarized ground state. Our work introduces a monolayer platform that manifests strong correlation effects arising from flattened electronic bands.
Evaluating the effectiveness of Resilience and Coping psychosocial Intervention
Authors: Baguma Peter , Kajumba Mayanja , Ampaire Ann , Karugahe Wilber , Amongi Elizabeth 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Covid-19 related psychosocial stress, both in Uganda and internationally, is known to be a major public health burden at many levels including the family (Gordon, 2020). This study explores the effectiveness of the Family Resilience and Coping Intervention (fRCI) in Kampala city in Uganda. .The study employed a two-group randomized, matched subjects, pre-test post-test control group design, investigator-blind, with a baseline, midline and end line spells that lasted for 3 months. Randomization was by family unit, using a 1: 1 allocation. The experimental group received the fRCI and the control group did not. There were 81 participants in the control and 92 in the intervention group. Instruments included a questionnaire that assessed demographic; coping, strengths and difficulties, depression, generalized anxiety, hope, and general family functioning. Evaluation of fRCI, and session feedback was assessed using forms. Data was analyzed using factor analysis, t-test, panel regression and thematic analysis. Across the baseline, mid and end line, results showed that the fRCI was effective in reducing family psychosocial stress. Significant predictors of family psychosocial stress included age, education and coping strategy. The youths, parents and counselors positively evaluated the fRCI and its sessions. It was recommended that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness adopt the fRCI. Teachers and community leaders and health and disaster workers be trained in implementing the fRCI so that they can help individuals and communities impacted by pandemics like Covid-19.
Exploring Action-Oriented Models via Active Inference for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Nozari Sheida , Krayani Ali , Marin Pablo , Marcenaro Lucio , Gomez David Martin , Regazzoni Carlo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Being able to robustly interact with and navigate a dynamic environment has been a long-standing challenge in intelligent transportation systems. Autonomous agents can use models that mimic the human brain to learn how to respond to other participants’ actions in the environment and proactively coordinate with the dynamics. Modeling brain learning procedures is challenging for multiple reasons, such as stochasticity, multi-modality, and unobservant intents. Active inference may be defined as the Bayesian modeling of a brain with a biologically plausible model of the agent. Its primary idea relies on the free energy principle and the prior preference of the agent. It enables the agent to choose an action that leads to its preferred future observations. An exploring actionoriented model is introduced to address the inference complexity and solve the exploration-exploitation dilemma in unobserved environments. It is conducted by adapting active inference to an imitation learning approach and finding a theoretical connection between them. We present a multi-modal self-awareness architecture for autonomous driving systems where the proposed techniques are evaluated on their ability to model proper driving behavior. Experimental results provide the basis for the intelligent driving system to make more human-like decisions and improve agent performance to avoid a collision.
Machine vs. Human, Who Makes A Better Judgment On Innovation?Take GPT-4 For Example
Authors: Du Mark 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

This essay explores the topic of human decision-making and the concept of noise, which refers to random and irrelevant factors that can affect decision-making. The essay argues that while humans are prone to noise in their decision-making processes, artificial intelligence (AI) can make less noise due to its ability to process large amounts of data and apply logical algorithms to make decisions. The essay examines examples and studies to demonstrate the impact of noise on human decision-making, including business idea. Additionally, the essay highlights the potential that machine intuition is doing better than human.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Nanoparticles on Dendritic Cells in a Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis - Importance of PD-L2 Expression
Authors: Lau Angela Wong , Pineda Jessica Perez , DeLouise Lisa A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Nanoparticle (NP) skin exposure is linked to the increased prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis. In prior studies using the mouse contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model, we reported that silica 20 nm (Si20nm) suppressed the allergic response and TiO2 doped with manganese (mTiO2) exacerbated it. In this work, we conducted in vitro experiments using bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) to study the combinatorial effect of the potent 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) hapten sensitizer with Si20nm and mTiO2 NPs on BMDC cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and phenotype using the B7 family ligands. Results show that DNFB and mTiO2 behave similarly and exhibit proinflammatory characteristics while Si20nm promotes a naive phenotype. We observe that the B7-H3 (CD276) ligand is only expressed on CD80+ (B7-1) BMDC. Results from adoptive transfer CHS studies, combined with BMDC phenotype analysis, point to the importance of PD-L2 expression in modulating the adaptive immune response. This work identifies metrics that can be used to predict the effects of NPs on contact allergy and to guide efforts to engineer cell-based therapies to induce antigen specific immune tolerance.
Unbiased analysis of spatial learning strategies in a modified Barnes maze using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Illouz Tomer , Ascher Lyn Alice Becker , Madar Ravit , Okun Eitan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Assessment of spatial learning abilities is central to behavioral neuroscience and a pillar of animal model validation and drug development. However, biases introduced by the apparatus, environment, or experimentalist represent a critical challenge to the test validity. We have recently developed the Modified Barnes Maze (MBM) task, a spatial learning paradigm that overcomes inherent behavioral biases of animals in the classical Barnes maze. The specific combination of spatial strategies employed by mice is often considered representative of the level of cognitive resources used. Herein, we have developed a convolutional neural network-based classifier of exploration strategies in the MBM that can effectively provide researchers with enhanced insights into cognitive traits in mice. Following validation, we compared the learning performance of female and male C57BL/6 mice, as well as that of Ts65Dn mice, a model of Down syndrome, and 5xFAD mice, a model of Alzheimer’s disease. Male mice exhibited more effective navigation abilities than female mice, reflected in higher utilization of effective spatial search strategies. Compared to wildtype controls, Ts65Dn mice exhibited reduced usage of spatial strategies despite similar success rates in completing this spatial task. These data exemplify the need for deeper strategy classification tools in dissecting complex cognitive traits. In sum, we provide a machine-learning-based strategy classifier that extends our understanding of mice’s spatial learning capabilities while enabling a more accurate cognitive assessment.
Effect of Phospholipid Head Group on Ultrasound-triggered Drug Release and Cellular Uptake of Immunoliposomes
Authors: Awad Nahid S. , Paul Vinod , AlSawaftah Nour M. , Husseini Ghaleb A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Liposomes are the most successful nanoparticles used to date to load and deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. They are nano-sized vesicles made up of phospholipids, and targeting moieties can be added to their surfaces for active targeting of specific tumors. Furthermore, Ultrasound can be used to trigger the release of the loaded drugs by disturbing their phospholipid bilayer structure. In this study, we have prepared pegylated liposomes using four types of phospholipids with similar saturated hydrocarbon tails and different head groups (DPPC and DPPA, DPPE, and DPPG). The prepared liposomes were conjugated to the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (TRA) to target the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpressed on HER2-positive cancer cells (HER2+). We have compared the response of the different formulations of liposomes when triggered with low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) and their cellular uptake by the cancer cells. The results showed that the different formulations had similar size, polydispersity, and stability. TRA-conjugated DPPC liposomes showed the highest sensitivity to LFUS. On the other hand, incubating the cancer cells with TRA-conjugated DPPA liposomes triggered with LFUS showed the highest uptake of the loaded calcein by the HER2 + cells.
Research on the evolution mechanism and decoupling effect of China's carbon emissions from the perspective of green credit: Based on system dynamics model and tapio model
Authors: Cao Zhicheng , he Xinying , zhang Kaiwen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Green credit is an important topic in the study of green finance system, but it has not been combined with China's carbon emission reduction effect and industrial carbon emissions. This study takes different industries in China as research objects to explore the relationship between green credit and industrial carbon emissions. First, the LMDI decomposition model was used to decompose the driving factors of industrial carbon emissions, and the effects of green credit efficiency and scale on carbon emissions were obtained. Secondly, on this basis, a system dynamics model was established to predict the changing trend of carbon emissions in different industries. By setting different scenarios of green credit, the development and evolution trend of carbon emission system was simulated when parameters changed, and the Tapio decoupling model was further established to analyze the decoupling effect of green credit and carbon emissions under different scenarios. Finally, the research results show that the increase in the scale of green loans can effectively inhibit carbon emissions, and has the greatest effect on carbon emissions of the secondary industry. The incentive policy of green credit can effectively encourage industrial upgrading and development. With the growth of the balance of green credit, green credit and carbon emissions gradually reach the best decoupling state. This study provides empirical evidence for the objective evaluation of the implementation effect of China's green credit policy, and has important reference value for the improvement and development of future policies.