julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Lower competition in grasslands and higher facilitation in forests as potential drivers of the higher species richness of calcareous than siliceous communities
2025-09-01

We tested the hypothesis that, in calcareous and siliceous ecosystems from the wet temperate climate of southwest France, competition primarily explains differences in community composition and species richness in grasslands but that facilitation is more determinant in forests. In a first experiment, we transplanted, in dry and wet years, grass species of contrasting light requirements in gaps and forest understories to compare on the two bedrocks the effects of herbaceous neighbors in gaps to the effects of adult trees on understory species. In a second experiment, we manipulated light and soil nutrient fertility in the same system and transplanted six understory species to disentangle the direct drivers of the positive effect of trees for understory species. In the first experiment, competition was higher in gaps of siliceous than calcareous bedrocks during wet years and facilitation by canopy trees was higher on calcareous than siliceous bedrocks during dry years. In addition, facilitation in calcareous forests was very intense for species from the shadiest origins, while competition was only significant for species from the sunniest origins. In the second, experiment we found that both higher microclimates buffering ability of forest canopies and higher soil fertility explained the higher facilitation found in calcareous forests. Synthesis : the higher importance of competition in grasslands and facilitation in forests is mostly due to the contrasting adaptations to light conditions of grassland and understory species. The higher facilitation in calcareous forests appeared to be due to higher buffering effect of tree canopies and higher soil fertility in calcareous than siliceous soils. The major role of facilitation in forest communities from favorable conditions has been strongly overlooked in the literature, although it might explain the higher species richness of calcareous than siliceous forests.
Interaction-oriented Instructional Practices Show Promise in Enhancing Overall Performance and Narrowing Racial Achievement Gaps in College Online Courses
2025-09-01

Effective student interaction is critical for promoting student engagement and fostering a sense of community in online learning. Despite the extensive recognition of the importance of interaction-oriented practices in college online teaching, there is limited knowledge about how different types of interaction-oriented practices are related to student performance outcomes and, more importantly, racial equity gaps in those outcomes. This study addresses this gap by using a novel dataset that collected online teaching practices through a NSF-funded survey of close to 400 instructors at almost two dozen community colleges in a state. The survey data is further linked to the performance outcomes of nearly 10,000 students taught by these instructors. We begin by describing instructors’ use of practices that theory suggests are promising in promoting interactions and engagement in online classes. We further relate instructor teaching practices with student end-of-semester course performance and subsequent college persistence. The results indicate that greater engagement of interaction-oriented teaching practices relates positively and significantly to student course completion and grades. Additionally, practices aimed to promote instructor-student course management interactions are promising in reducing racial performance gaps. While teaching practices and the online learning landscape may have evolved post-COVID-19, the foundational strategies for effective interaction identified in this study remain relevant. These findings offer evidence-based strategies that can be adapted to current and future online learning environments, helping educators enhance student engagement and success in the post-pandemic era.
Dark count rate stability of JUNO 20-inch PMTs in mass testing
2025-09-01

Abstract The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is an ambitious multipurpose neutrino experiment designed to determine the neutrino mass ordering, with an impressive energy resolution goal of at least 3% at 1 MeV. To achieve a photon detection coverage of approximately 75%, JUNO will utilize two types of 20-inch photomultiplier tubes (PMTs): the large PMT (LPMT) and the microchannel plate PMT (MCP-PMT). A significant concern in high-precision neutrino measurements is the dark count rate (DCR) of PMTs, which introduces noise that can adversely affect energy measurement accuracy. During the mass testing phase of the JUNO 20-inch PMTs, comprehensive measurements of the DCR were undertaken. These measurements not only captured the DCR values of individual PMTs but also examined the stability and temperature dependence of the DCR at an operating gain of (1 × 10 7 ). This paper presents a detailed characterization of the DCR of the JUNO 20-inch PMTs, investigating factors such as cooling time, temperature variations, and long-term stability using the JUNO Pan-Asia PMT testing facilities. The results reveal distinct DCR characteristics between the two types of PMTs, providing valuable insights into the nature of DCR and its implications for JUNO's scientific objectives. In addition to performance characterization, we implemented a monitoring system to track DCR stability over time. Notably, several spikes in DCR were identified, prompting a preliminary investigation into their causes. Potential factors contributing to these spikes, such as flasher events, were explored using coincidence rate analysis and complementary imaging techniques. The findings from this study are crucial for optimizing the performance of PMTs in JUNO, ultimately aiding the experiment in achieving its goals related to neutrino physics.
Multiple Mammalian Cytokines and Erythropoietin‐Mimetic Peptides Protect Insect Neurons via Phylogenetically Conserved Cytokine Receptor‐Like Factor 3 (CRLF3)
2025-09-01

ABSTRACT Erythropoietin (Epo) and its non‐erythropoietic splice variant EV‐3 have demonstrated potent neuroprotective effects across species, although the respective mechanisms are variable and incompletely understood. Unlike vertebrates, insects lack both Epo and the classical Epo receptor but express Cytokine Receptor‐Like Factor 3 (CRLF3), a conserved type I receptor that serves as a neuroprotective receptor for Epo and EV‐3 in insects and human iPSC‐derived neuron‐like cells. Insects, which express CRLF3 but lack all other group 1 type I cytokine receptors, represent a suitable model to study the function of CRLF3 in neuroprotection. Previous experiments with primary brain neurons from the locust Locusta migratoria demonstrated that human Epo and EV‐3 prevented hypoxia‐induced apoptosis via activation of CRLF3 and downstream signaling mediated by JAK/STAT activity. Here we demonstrate that locust neurons are also protected by three small peptides (≤ 20 amino acids) with previously established erythropoietic and/or neuroprotective capacities in mammals. These peptides included non‐erythropoietic HBSP and P16, as well as erythropoietic EMP1. To further characterize the ligand spectrum of locust CRLF3, we tested specific ligands of vertebrate group 1 type I cytokine receptors for their neuroprotective potential. While human thrombopoietin protected locust neurons via activation of CRLF3, human prolactin and growth hormone showed no anti‐apoptotic effects. Our findings highlight CRLF3 as a versatile neuroprotective receptor that can be activated by the three natural human cytokines Epo, EV‐3, and thrombopoietin, and three artificial short peptides with and without erythropoietic activity. In contrast to vertebrate classical Epo receptor, which is only activated by Epo and EMP1, CRLF3 has an extended and more generalist ligand spectrum to mediate neuroprotection. This wide ligand spectrum may support the hypothesis of CRLF3 being the evolutionary precursor of various vertebrate‐specific cytokine receptors and may qualify this more general cell protective receptor as a target for pharmacological intervention in neurodegenerative processes. image
Elevated Soluble HLA‐G Levels Associate With Dengue Severity in Vietnamese Patients
2025-09-01

ABSTRACT The pathogenesis of dengue remains complex and incompletely understood. One proposed mechanism involves the virus evading host immune responses through the upregulation and/or secretion of immune‐inhibitory molecules. This study investigates the association between plasma levels of soluble human leukocyte antigen G (sHLA‐G), a known immunoregulatory molecule, and dengue severity in hospitalized patients. A total of 238 dengue patients and 118 healthy controls were enrolled. Dengue infection was confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR, and patients were clinically categorized as having dengue fever without warning signs (DF), dengue with warning signs (DWS), or severe dengue (SD), according to WHO guidelines. Laboratory parameters were assessed upon hospital admission, and plasma sHLA‐G levels were measured using ELISA. sHLA‐G levels were significantly elevated in dengue patients compared to healthy controls (median [range]: 42.7 [7.10–1300] U/mL vs. 11.1 [4.7–620] U/mL; p &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex and disease severity, a significant association was observed between sHLA‐G levels and days of illness ( β = 0.1, p = 0.03). Patients requiring close medical monitoring (DWS/SD) showed higher sHLA‐G levels (51.0 [7.17–525] U/mL) than those having dengue fever without warning signs (38.0 [7.10–1300] U/mL); p = 0.011. While ALT and AST were positively correlated with sHLA‐G levels in all patients, total lymphocyte counts were inversely correlated with sHLA‐G in severe cases ( r = −0.78, p = 0.002). Elevated sHLA‐G levels are associated with dengue severity and may serve as a useful marker for identifying high‐risk cases and for guiding clinical monitoring. Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.
Voxel Volume Overlap: Voxel‐Size Sensitive Indicators of Subject Motion in Functional MRI
2025-09-01

ABSTRACT Subject motion is a significant problem for the analysis of functional MRI data and is usually described by “total displacement” or “scan‐to‐scan displacement”. Neither parameter, however, takes into account voxel size, which clearly is relevant for the actual effects of motion on the data. Consequently, it is hitherto impossible to compare motion between subjects/studies acquired using different voxel dimensions, precluding the development of generally applicable recommendations for fMRI quality control procedures. Here, a new set of “voxel volume overlap” (VVO) parameters is developed and explored, assessing the actual volumetric effects of subject motion on the voxel‐level. Further, the extent of out‐of‐plane movement (particularly detrimental to image quality) can be quantified. Analyses show the new parameters to be valid and sensitive to voxel sizes. Their relation to existing parameters is explored, and defaults are suggested. The algorithm is freely available as a toolbox for a common image processing software solution (SPM).
Efficacy and Safety of GLP‐1 and Dual GIP/GLP‐1 Receptor Agonists in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
2025-09-01

ABSTRACT Background Repurposing glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and GIP/GLP‐1 receptor agonists (RAs) for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) represents an attractive alternative to current treatments, supported by evidence of potent metabolic effects and reductions in cerebrospinal fluid secretion and intracranial pressure in vivo. Methods We evaluated the safety and efficacy of GLP‐1 RAs and GIP/GLP‐1 RAs in IIH. MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for randomized‐controlled trials (RCT), non‐randomized clinical trials, or registries in adults with IIH. Results Two clinical trials (one RCT and one non‐randomized case–control) and two registries, comprising 1550 IIH patients (768 receiving GLP‐1 or GIP/GLP‐1 RAs) were included. Compared with standard‐of‐care, GLP‐1 or GIP/GLP‐1 RAs were associated with a significantly lower risk of papilledema (RR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.15–0.43; p &lt; 0.01) and visual disturbances or blindness (RR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18–0.92; p = 0.03), and a near‐significant trend toward reduced headache risk (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.34–1.07; p = 0.08). Additionally, GLP‐1 RAs significantly reduced monthly headache days at 3 months (MD = −3.64; 95% CI: −6.26 to −1.03; p &lt; 0.01) and at the end of follow‐up (MD = −4.82; 95% CI: −8.80 to −0.85; p = 0.02). No association was detected between GLP‐1 RAs and body mass index. No serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations were reported; mild gastrointestinal adverse events and nausea occurred in 88% (95% CI: 0.46–1.00) of GLP‐1 RA‐treated patients. Conclusions GLP‐1 and dual GIP/GLP‐1 RAs are associated with a significantly lower risk of papilledema and visual disturbances or blindness and a lower headache risk compared with standard‐of‐care. Additionally, GLP‐1 RAs significantly reduce the monthly headache burden. Well‐designed RCTs are needed to robustly evaluate the effects of GLP‐1 and GIP/GLP‐1 RAs in IIH, which likely extend beyond their weight‐loss‐inducing properties. Trial Registration PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42025650082
The novel CFAbd-Score.kidⒸ reveals a significant decline of abdominal symptoms in children with Cystic fibrosis aged 6 through 11 years on Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor – first results
2025-09-01

Among cwCF aged 6-11 years, AS captured with the novel CFAbd-Score.kid<sup>C</sup> significantly decreased during ETI treatment. Simultaneously, this proves that the recently validated CFAbd-Score.kid<sup>C</sup> is sensitive to ETI induced changes in AS. The new questionnaire is being now implemented in clinical routine and international studies.
Neutrophil ADAM10 promotes migration and inflammation in ARDS by modulating adhesion and chemokine signaling
2025-09-01

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by excessive neutrophil recruitment, endothelial barrier dysfunction, and persistent inflammation. A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) regulates leukocyte trafficking by cleaving adhesion molecules such as VE-cadherin and JAM-A, but its role in neutrophil-driven lung injury remains unclear. We investigated whether neutrophil-derived ADAM10 modulates neutrophil adhesion, migration, and pulmonary inflammation in a murine model of ARDS and assessed the effects of systemic ADAM10 inhibition. Using a neutrophil-specific ADAM10 knockout mouse model (ADAM10<sup>loxP/loxP</sup>Catchup-Cre+) and pharmacological ADAM10 inhibition, we evaluated neutrophil recruitment, endothelial permeability, and adhesion molecule expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung inflammation. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assess neutrophil migration, activation, and cytokine release. In vitro adhesion and transmigration assays were performed with human endothelial and epithelial monolayers using freshly isolated human neutrophils. Neutrophil-specific ADAM10 deletion did not affect endothelial permeability but reduced neutrophil recruitment into the alveolar space, associated with decreased CXCL1 and CXCL2/3 secretion and increased CD44 surface expression. ADAM10 inhibition enhanced adhesion but impaired transmigration, mirroring genetic deletion. Systemic inhibition also suppressed neutrophil activation and inflammatory cytokine release. Neutrophil ADAM10 promotes neutrophil migration and inflammation in ARDS by modulating chemokine signaling and adhesion molecule expression. Systemic ADAM10 inhibition reduces neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory cytokine production, suggesting ADAM10 as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate neutrophil-driven lung injury.
Efficacy and safety of kinetic oscillation stimulation in the nasal cavity for the treatment of acute migraine attacks: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind investigation
2025-09-01

Background Migraine attacks present a problem for patients who are unable to benefit from drug treatment. The Chordate System S020 delivers kinetic oscillation to the nasal mucosa, which is supposed to modulate the parasympathetic outflow involved in migraine pathophysiology. The objective of this clinical investigation was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Chordate System S020 in the treatment of acute migraine attacks. Methods In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical investigation, participants were treated with the Chordate System S020 either in active or in placebo mode shortly after the onset of an acute, moderate to severe migraine attack. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants whose headache pain improved to mild or no pain at 2 h after treatment start. The participants continued to report their response over the subsequent 48 h in a diary and were contacted by phone within 24 and 48 h after treatment. A final follow-up visit was performed 3 to 7 days after treatment. Results The study included 46 women and 5 men with a median age of 40.0 years. 42.3% of the participants who received active treatment ( N = 26) as compared to 32.0% of participants who received placebo treatment ( N = 25) met the primary endpoint of headache relief at 2 h ( p &gt; .05). The odds ratio between active and placebo of the pain-free rate was 0.54 (95% CI 0.04–5.43) at 2 h and 1.78 (95% CI 0.09–112) at 24 and 48 h. More participants in the active vs placebo group improved numerically in nausea (50% vs 36%) and photophobia (42.3% vs 24%) at 2 h. Treatment with the Chordate System S020 was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions Treatment with the Chordate System S020 had no statistically significant effect on acute migraine headache relief.
S100A9 promotes inflammasome-dependent autoinflammation by blocking the degradation of SYK tyrosine kinase
2025-09-01

Abstract Autoinflammatory diseases such as cryopyrin-associated periodic fever syndrome and familial Mediterranean fever involve an aberrant secretion of interleukin-1β due to genetic defects in the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) or pyrin inflammasomes. The regulatory mechanisms and possible interactions between inflammasome pathways remain unclear. In addition, these conditions show a high expression of the inflammatory alarmins S100A8/A9. Spleen tyrosine kinase is a known regulator of NLRP3 activity, but its connection to S100 proteins and pyrin-driven inflammation has not been described so far. This study demonstrates that S100A9 controls inflammasome activation via spleen tyrosine kinase expression in monocytes. Loss of S100A9 leads to decreased USP10 deubiquitinase expression, resulting in increased autophagosomal degradation of spleen tyrosine kinase. This impairs the S100A9-USP10-SYK pathway inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reducing secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and S100A9. Strikingly, blocking this pathway in familial Mediterranean fever monocytes unraveled a so far unknown link between pyrin and NLRP3-driven autoinflammation. These findings identify intracellular S100A9 as a direct regulator of NLRP3 activity and a driver of autoinflammatory responses.
Impact of pulse duration on cardiac electroporation: nanosecond pulses enhance cardiomyocyte selectivity and promote a Raman-detected shift towards apoptotic cell death
2025-09-01

Abstract Aims Pulsed field ablation (PFA), a cardiac ablation technique using microsecond pulsed electric fields (μsPEF), is widely used in clinical settings, while nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) have recently entered clinical trials. Selective ablation of cardiomyocytes over endothelial cells is critical to prevent adverse remodelling, arrhythmias, and thrombosis, yet comparative data on nsPEF vs. μsPEF remain limited. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects and cell death mechanisms induced by nsPEF and μsPEF in cardiac and endothelial cells. Methods and results Human cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells were exposed to varying electric field intensities with nsPEF and μsPEF using custom-built automated setup to assess permeabilization and cell death. Raman spectroscopy evaluated biochemical changes in cardiomyocytes following electroporation. Ex vivo epicardial ablation was performed on murine hearts using customized electrodes. Maximal cardiomyocyte death occurred 24 h after both pulse types in vitro. Ex vivo, both pulse types produced visible myocardial lesions as early as 1 h post-exposure, with lesion size progressively increasing up to 4 h. Microsecond pulsed electric fields induced significantly greater endothelial damage (ED50: 1.18 kV/cm) than damage to cardiomyocytes (ED50: 1.28 kV/cm), whereas nsPEF affected both cell types equally (ED50: 7.27 kV/cm vs. 7.24 kV/cm). Raman spectroscopy analysis of exposed cells indicated that μsPEF predominantly triggered necrotic or unregulated cell death, while nsPEF exposure was associated with regulated, apoptotic cell death. Conclusion Pulse duration critically determines electroporation selectivity and downstream death pathways. Nanosecond pulsed electric fields favoured regulated cell death and cardiomyocyte selectivity, highlighting its potential to improve the safety and durability of PFA.
Rethinking Hominin Air Sac Loss in Light of Phylogenetically Meaningful Evidence
2025-09-01

ABSTRACT The evolution of laryngeal air sacs in hominins has been a subject of considerable debate, with particular attention given to the inferred presence of air sacs in Australopithecus afarensis and inferred absence in Middle and Upper Pleistocene hominins. We challenge several assumptions prevalent in relevant discourse and assert that (1) while exhibiting morphological similarity, it cannot be ruled out that relationships between hyoid morphology and air sac morphology in extant African great apes may reflect convergence; (2) while the only known A. afarensis hyoid exhibits “ape‐like” bulla, this feature may have persisted following the loss of air sacs, and not be indicative of their presence per se; (3) because there are currently only five known hominin hyoid bones represented in the fossil record (with a single specimen predating the Middle Pleistocene) the evidential basis for interpreting air sac presence or absence is minimal; and (4) inferences toward a role of sexual selection and communicative behavior in explicating the loss of air sacs in the hominin lineage are undermined by the atypical sexual dimorphism patterns in early hominins. We advocate for a cautious approach to interpreting hominin behavior and evolution which prioritizes data over speculation, and underscore the need for rigorous evidence when constructing evolutionary narratives about early hominin vocal anatomy and its evolution.