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Spatiotemporal patterns and environmental determinants of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Banke National Park, Nepal
A viral necrosome mediates direct RIPK3 activation to promote inflammatory necroptosis
Necroptosis is an inflammatory programmed cell death pathway triggered by RIPK3 activation through one of the upstream RHIM-domain-containing proteins including RIPK1, TRIF, and ZBP1. Whether necroptosis can be activated independent of the upstream signaling pathways leading to inflammatory pathogenesis remains ambiguous. Here, we revealed a mechanism in which a viral protein mediates direct RIPK3 activation resulting in severe inflammatory pathogenesis in patients. The nonstructural protein NSs of a pathogenic hemorrhagic virus, SFTSV, interacts with the RIPK3 kinase domain and forms biocondensate to promote RIPK3 autophosphorylation and necroptosis activation in an RHIM-independent manner. In parallel, sequestration of RIPK3 within the NSs–RIPK3 condensate inhibited RIPK3-mediated apoptosis and promoted viral replication. Infection with an SFTSV NSs mutant virus not forming NSs condensate triggered pronounced apoptosis resulting in reduced viral replication and decreased fatality in vivo. Blocking SFTSV-triggered necroptosis through depletion of MLKL or treatment with a RIPK3-kinase inhibitor reduced viral inflammatory pathogenesis and fatality in vivo. In contrast, blocking SFTSV-triggered apoptosis through depletion of RIPK3 resulted in enhanced viral replication and increased fatality in vivo. The virus-triggered necroptosis correlated with severe inflammatory pathogenesis and lethality in virus-infected patients. The NSs–RIPK3 condensate may represent a necroptosis activation mechanism that promotes viral pathogenesis.
Multi-objective maintenance optimization of contact networks considering integrated state parameters
With the gradual expansion of China’s high-speed railroad operation scale and the accumulation of operation time, the pressure of operation and maintenance of contact networks is increasing, and the operation and maintenance strategy of railroad contact networks under the traditional cyclic maintenance mode has the double dilemma of low maintenance efficiency and high labor intensity of maintenance personnel. In order to protect the transportation quality and efficiency of high-speed railroads and reduce the labor intensity of maintenance personnel, this paper proposes a multi-objective optimization operation and maintenance strategy for contact networks considering integrated state parameters, which is able to ensure the high reliability of contact networks while reducing the cost of maintenance and reducing the man-hours required for maintenance. Firstly, according to the integrated state parameters such as the guide height, contact force, pull-out value, and remaining useful life (RUL) of contact networks, the state of contact networks near specific towers is analyzed, revealing the initial reliability of the main equipment including contact wires, positioners, hanging strings, etc., which is used as a parameter of the multi-objective optimal maintenance model. Then, a multi-objective optimal maintenance model is established to achieve the optimization goal of high average reliability of contact networks, low maintenance cost and short required working hours. Finally, the model is solved by the multi-objective optimization algorithm to obtain a series of maintenance solutions in the form of Pareto non-inferior solution sets. Simulation calculations with data from a railroad bureau in southern China yielded that the average reliability of the contact networks system was 0.969, and the maintenance cost was 1,029 thousand yuan, spending 71 man-hours, when the maintenance method generated by the operation and maintenance strategy mentioned in this paper was used. Compared with the traditional maintenance method, the maintenance scheme obtained by the proposed in this paper optimizes the required man-hours and improves the labor productivity while maintaining higher reliability and lowering the maintenance cost.
Assessment of the prevalence and praziquantel effectiveness and risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among school-aged children in pru east, Ghana
A whole-scale volatile-depleted lunar interior
The extent of moderately volatile elements (MVE) depletion and its effects on the Moon’s evolutionary history remain contentious, partly due to unintentionally biased sampling by the Apollo missions from the Procellarum KREEP Terrane. In this study, we analyzed the Zn and K isotope compositions of a series of lunar basaltic meteorites, which vary in Th content and are likely to represent a broader sampling range than previous studies, including samples from the far side of the Moon. Our findings indicate remarkably consistent Zn and K isotope compositions across all lunar basalt types, despite significant variations in Th content. This consistency suggests a relatively homogeneous isotopic composition of volatile elements within the Moon, unaffected by subsequent impact events that formed major basins. Our results suggest that the estimates of MVE abundance and isotopic compositions from the Apollo returned samples are likely representative of the bulk Moon, supporting a globally volatile-depleted lunar interior.
Analysis of IPV success treatment from an AI approach
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social problem in Chile. Understanding the patterns of internalization and the motivations maintaining it is crucial to design optimal treatments that ensure adherence and completeness. This, in addition, is essential to prevent revictimization and improve the quality of life of both victims and their children.The present study analyzes the success of a psychological treatment offered by a Chilean foundation helping IPV victims. A database analysis containing 1,279 cases was performed applying classical statistics and artificial intelligence methods. The aim of the research was to search for cluster grouping and to create a classification model that is able to predict IPV treatment completeness. The main results demonstrate the presence of two main clusters, one including victims who completed the treatment (cluster 1) and a second one containing victims who did not complete the treatment (cluster 2). Cluster classification using an XGBoost model of the treatment completeness had an accuracy of 81%. The results showed that living with the aggressor, age and educational level had the greatest impact on the classification. Considering these factors as input variables allow for a higher precision on the treatment completeness prediction. To our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Chile that uses AI for cluster grouping and for analyzing the variables contributing to the success of an IPV victims’ treatment.
Sugar management and photosynthesis of sugar beet after infection by Cercospora beticola
Mgat4b-mediated selective <i>N</i> -glycosylation regulates melanocyte development and melanoma progression
Melanocyte development involves key pathways that are often recapitulated during melanoma initiation, highlighting the importance of understanding these regulatory processes. Our study identifies mgat4b , a glycosyl transferase involved in selective N -glycan branching enriched in pigment progenitors, as a regulator of directional cell migration and establishment of melanocyte stem cell (McSC) pool during early development. Single cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis in zebrafish upon targeted disruption of mgat4b reveals, that migratory melanocyte progenitors marked by galectin expression fail to persist. Lectin affinity proteomic analysis reveals the glycosylation of key melanocyte proteins GPNMB, KIT, and TYRP1 to be under the control of MGAT4B in melanocytic cells. Additionally, mislocalization of Junctional plakoglobin (JUP) explains the observed defects in cell adhesion and migration to be regulated by MGAT4B but not its isozyme MGAT4A. Our meta-analysis further reveals that melanoma patients with both the BRAF V600E mutation and elevated MGAT4B levels have significantly worse survival outcomes compared to those with only the BRAF V600E mutation. By leveraging the zebrafish MAZERATI platform to model BRAF V600E driver mutation in vivo, we show that mgat4b mutant cells fail to aggregate and initiate tumors. RNA profiling of the transformed melanocytes revealed cell–cell junction, adhesion, and ECM binding to be probable contributing factors that resulted in the failure of tumor onset. Using a small-molecule inhibitor we demonstrate that complex N -glycosylation inhibits early-stage melanoma progression. Our study underscores the importance of selective N -glycan branching in both melanocyte development and melanoma initiation, suggesting MGAT4B as a promising therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
Multi-method strategies for provenance determination of coarse-grained igneous rocks: Non-destructive, portable, and quantitative approaches
Determining the provenance of stones used in cultural heritage artifacts requires interdisciplinary research that integrates archaeology, geology, and analytical science. In this study, we determined the provenance of the source rock for a Bodhisattva stone sculpture from an abandoned temple site in Haman, South Korea. Non-destructive, portable, in-situ multi-analytical methods were used to quantitatively analyze coarse-grained igneous rocks, incorporating macroscopic observations, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Calibration with matrix-matched in-house rock standards and quality checks ensured the reliability of pXRF data for major, minor, and several trace elements, supporting accurate provenance identification. Analysis of spatial variations in chemical composition revealed two distinct geochemical trends across plutonic rock bodies spanning tens of kilometers, providing a key strategy to narrowing down the source area. Our findings present a robust methodology with broad applicability for investigating plutonic rock provenance.
Glymphatic dysfunction as a biomarker for post-stroke cognitive impairment
Abstract Ischemic stroke impacts glymphatic function, but its role in prognosis remains unclear. This study evaluated glymphatic function in 146 participants, including non-stroke (healthy controls, n = 48; nonvascular cognitive impairment patients, n = 47) and ischemic stroke cohorts (n = 51). The bilateral diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index, choroid plexus (CP), and perivascular space (PVS) volume ratio, which represent the glymphatic system, were compared across two cohorts and between pre-rehabilitation (Time 1) and 30 days post-rehabilitation (Time 2). Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) was characterized as enduring cognitive deficits persisting six months after a stroke. Stroke patients exhibited significantly lower bilateral DTI-ALPS index compared with the non-stroke population ( P < 0.05), while the infarct side showed post-rehabilitation improvement ( P < 0.05). The DTI-ALPS index of infarct side at Time 1 did not predict poor outcome but was correlated with 6-month PSCI ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that ischemic stroke diminishes glymphatic function, partially recovering post-rehabilitation, and suggest that the DTI-ALPS index could serve as a predictor for cognitive impairment following ischemic stroke.
Factors affecting integration of an early warning system for antimalarial drug resistance within a routine surveillance system in a pre-elimination setting in Sub-Saharan Africa
To address the current threat of antimalarial resistance, countries need innovative solutions for timely and informed decision-making. Integrating molecular surveillance for drug-resistant malaria into routine malaria surveillance in pre-elimination contexts offers a potential early warning mechanism for further investigation and response. However, there is limited evidence on what influences the performance of such a system in resource-limited settings. From March 2018 to February 2020, a sequential mixed-methods study was conducted in primary healthcare facilities in a South African pre-elimination setting to explore factors influencing the flow, quality and linkage of malaria case notification and molecular resistance marker data. Using a process-oriented framework, we undertook monthly and quarterly data linkage and consistency analyses at different levels of the health system, as well as a survey, focus group discussions and interviews to identify potential barriers to, and enhancers of, the roll-out and uptake of this integrated information system. Over two years, 4,787 confirmed malaria cases were notified from 42 primary healthcare facilities in the Nkomazi sub-district, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Of the notified cases, 78.5% (n = 3,758) were investigated, and 55.1% (n = 2,636) were successfully linked to their Plasmodium falciparum molecular resistance marker profiles. Five tangible processes—malaria case detection and notification, sample collection, case investigation, analysis and reporting—were identified within the process-oriented logic model. Workload, training, ease of use, supervision, leadership, and resources were recognized as cross-cutting influencers affecting the program’s performance. Approaching malaria elimination, linking molecular markers of antimalarial resistance to routine malaria surveillance is feasible. However, cross-cutting barriers inherent in the healthcare system can influence its success in a resource-limited setting.
Biochar with further enhanced properties prepared by acid base combined pretreatment for removal of water pollutants
Correction for Clark et al., Prosocial motives underlie scientific censorship by scientists: A perspective and research agenda
A multi-swarm greedy selection enhanced fruit fly optimization algorithm for global optimization in oil and gas production
Optimizing oil and gas production is of paramount importance in the petroleum sector, as it ensures the economic success of oil companies and meets the growing global demand for energy. The optimization of subsurface oil and gas production is critical for decision-makers, as it determines essential strategies like optimal well placement and well control parameters. Traditional reservoir production optimization methods often involve high computational costs and difficulties in achieving effective optimization. Evolutionary algorithms, inspired by biological evolution, have proven to be powerful tools for solving complex optimization challenges due to their independence from gradient information and efficient parallel processing capabilities. This paper proposes a highly efficient evolutionary algorithm for global optimization and oil and gas production optimization by enhancing the optimization performance of fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) through multi-swarm mechanism and greedy selection mechanism, which balance the algorithm’s search and development capabilities. Specifically, after updating the population of FOA, we first apply multi-swarm mechanism to help the population escape local optima and improve the algorithm’s search ability, and then apply greedy selection mechanism to enhance the population’s development potential. To verify the optimization performance of MGFOA, we conducted comprehensive experimental validations at IEEE CEC 2017 and IEEE CEC 2022, including ablation studies, scalability experiments, search trace visualizations, and comparisons with other similar algorithms. Finally, MGFOA significantly outperformed other comparable algorithms in oil and gas production optimization.
Dimensionless comparison of solar radiation time series data to address seasonality
Effect of lipid-lowering therapies on flow-mediated dilation in patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical randomized controlled trials
Numerous lipid-lowering medications are commonly used in clinical settings; however, their impact on vascular endothelial function remains unclear. This study employed techniques like flow-mediated dilation (FMD) to demonstrate the relative effects of lipid-lowering medications on vascular function. PubMed, Embase, and World of Science were searched from January 1, 2011 to October 1, 2024, and the language was limited to English. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the impact of lipid-lowering medications versus placebos on FMD in individuals. The outcomes included FMD, pulse wave velocity (PWV), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), peak O2 consumption (VO2), and intimal media thickness (IMT). We computed standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P < 0.05 indicates statistical significance. The quality of the RCTs was assessed according to the methods provided by the Cochrane Handbook, and effective data were extracted. Revman software 5.4 version was used for statistical analysis. Drug type, intervention duration, and underlying diseases were used as covariates in the subgroup analysis. This meta-analysis included 19 RCTs involving 1,004 patients. Compared with placebo, lipid-lowering agents significantly reduced FMD (0.20 [95% CI: 0.05, 0.35], P = 0.007, I2 = 43%, 14 trials, 726 participants), LDL-C (−1.54 [95% CI: −1.78, −1.30], P < 0.00001, I2 = 25%, 7 trials, 350 participants) and PWV (−0.35 [95% CI: −0.57, −0.02], P = 0.04, I2 = 0.0%, 4 trials, 206 participants). Lipid-lowering drugs positively affect endothelial function, while lowering blood lipids and statins are the most effective.
Enhancing information credibility in citizen journalism through the integration of GNSS positioning and blockchain technology
Correction for Khademhosseini et al., Microscale technologies for tissue engineering and biology
On the road to sustainability: Applying an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour model to energy-saving transportation practices
Mitigating climate change demands urgent action, particularly in reducing CO2 emissions, a major contributor to global warming. Individual behavioural changes in transportation patterns are needed to lower environmental impact. To design interventions that can target these behaviours, it is essential to understand the beliefs that underlie them. This study uses an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour model to identify the beliefs underlying sustainable transportation practices. Five behaviours were included: (i) general sustainable transportation, (ii) public transportation, (iii) walking and cycling, (iv) reducing car use, and (v) reducing flights. A three step-approach was employed. First, beliefs underlying the Theory of Planned Behaviour variables were elicited using qualitative methodology. The most commonly stated beliefs were included in the second phase; a questionnaire study that measured beliefs, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, habit, moral norms, and intention. Lastly, a one-week follow-up measured behaviour. Behavioural beliefs strongly predicted attitudes, habit beliefs predicted habit, and moral norm beliefs predict moral norm across all five behaviours. Regression models showed that the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour model had a better predictive capacity than the standard model. The strongest predictors were habit and moral norm. Intention significantly predicted behaviour but only explained a low proportion of variance. Interventions aiming to promote sustainable transportation practices should particularly focus on influencing individuals’ habits and moral norms, as these factors impacted most behaviours studied.