bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind Farm Wakes and Farm-to-Farm Interactions: Lidar and Wind Tunnel Tests
Authors: Ahmed W.U. , Moss C. , Roy S. , Shams Solari M. , Puccioni M. , Panthi K. , Moriarty P. , Iungo G.V.
Published: June 2024

Recent experimental and numerical evidence has shown that the cumulative wake generated from the overlapping of multiple wakes within a wind farm could reduce power performance and enhance fatigue loads of wind turbines installed in neighboring downstream wind farms and may also extend up to distances one order of magnitude larger than those typically considered for intra-farm wake interactions. Similar to individual wind turbine wakes, wind farm wakes have a velocity deficit and added turbulence intensity, both affected by the turbine rotor thrust forces and the incoming turbulence intensity. Therefore, the evolution of wind farm wakes will vary for different operational and atmospheric conditions. In this paper, lidar measurements collected during the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN) and wind tunnel tests of wind farms reproduced by porous disks are leveraged to investigate wind farm wakes.
Exile, Incorporated
Authors: Liebermann Rosanne
Published: June 2024

The book of Ezekiel makes rhetorical use of the human body to construct an exile-centred Judean identity. This focus on the body is inextricable from Ezekiel’s setting in the sixth-century BCE Judean exile to Babylonia. In such a context of upheaval, all the displaced group reliably retains are their bodies. Even so, the material surroundings of those bodies change completely, calling previously accepted ways of being into question. The book of Ezekiel reveals acute awareness of this situation, evoking bodily practices and embodied experiences that serve to construct a Judean identity based on existence outside of the land of Judah. This identity excludes both non-Judeans and the Judeans who remained in Judah. The book of Ezekiel seeks to achieve this exclusion via descriptions of bodily practices—including circumcision, dress, and the observance of a cultic calendar—that distinguish its constructed in-group of exiled Judeans from outsiders. Ezekiel also evokes the embodied emotion of disgust regarding the bodies of those with “outsider” practices, which in turn encourages the practice of segregation and endogamy within the in-group. Focusing on the bodies in the book of Ezekiel also highlights how the text presents hierarchies within the exilic Judean group, which itself contains bodies differentiated by gender and priestly or nonpriestly descent. Reading the text in this way reveals how the book of Ezekiel constructs a model of a variegated community able to embody a Judean identity that not only survived but also was based on life outside of the land of Judah.
Exiled Bodies, Ezekiel’s Bodies
Authors: Liebermann Rosanne
Published: June 2024

The book of Ezekiel’s setting within the sixth-century BCE Judean displacement to Babylonia is largely consistent with what is known historically of this time period. While redactional and text-critical evidence indicates that the book was a work in progress until the second century BCE, its focus on the Judean community in diaspora is central to its outlook. The “material turn” in the studies of both religion and migration has revealed that bodily practices and embodied experiences are decisive for religious and other group identities, especially in contexts of upheaval, when other material identity markers become insecure. Via reference to practice theory, new materialism, and phenomenology (including the study of emotions, especially the emotion of disgust), the chapter argues that the book of Ezekiel makes rhetorical use of the body to construct an ethno-religious community limited to the Judeans who experienced displacement from their ancestral land.
Women’s Bodies
Authors: Liebermann Rosanne
Published: June 2024

The book of Ezekiel’s construction of an exclusive in-group identity relies on the participation of women, especially when it comes to marriage and reproduction. Therefore, the text has to account for feminine bodily practices, even though its idealized Judean identity is based on a masculine default. These feminine bodily practices come into focus in Ezekiel 16 and 23, which address behaviours related to marriage and reproduction at various stages of a metaphorical woman’s life, including birth, puberty, marriage (and infidelity), motherhood, and menopause. Via these descriptions, the book of Ezekiel communicates expectations concerning the behaviour of women in its constructed in-group, evoking the emotion of disgust regarding those who behave differently. Meanwhile, Ezekiel 13 condemns women who exercise what the book considers improper religious authority, using gendered language to undermine their bodily purity in contrast to that of those properly responsible for religious activities: the masculine priesthood.
Sublime Bodies
Authors: Liebermann Rosanne
Published: June 2024

The book of Ezekiel presents Yhwh as having a masculine, humanoid body that is so defined by its purity that it cannot remain in any unclean place. This is the reason for Yhwh abandoning the Jerusalem temple to destruction (Ezekiel 8–11), and it is the guiding principle behind Ezekiel’s description of an imagined, idealized new temple (Ezekiel 40–48). This new temple is constructed according to concentric circles of purity, whereby Yhwh occupies the purest, innermost part of the building, surrounded and protected by the Zadokite priesthood, whose bodies mirror his in their masculine gender and level of purity (achieved via special practices of dress, eating, drinking, mourning, and marriage). In the Babylonian exile, where such a temple and priesthood cannot be realized, the prophet Ezekiel is described as uniquely upholding a priestly level of purity to the extent possible, making him the appropriate mediator between Yhwh and his people.
Food Improvement Agents (Additives, Enzymes, Flavourings), and Use of Extraction Solvents
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter elaborates on the EU law frameworks on food improvement agents. It starts by introducing the so-called Food Improvement Agents Package (section 9.2) and explores in more detail the specific regulation of each agent, namely food additives (section 9.3), food enzymes (section 9.4), food flavourings (section 9.5), and processing aids (section 9.6). The common authorization procedure for these agents in Regulation 234/2011 (section 9.7) is discussed. This is followed by an exploration of the use of extraction solvents (section 9.8). The chapter concludes by analysing current and future trends about food improvement agents in EU food law (section 9.9).
The Meaning of Life and Transcendence
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: June 2024

Atheism and naturalism have become the default positions in academic philosophy, and this is reflected in much of the contemporary work on meaning in life, which assumes what might be called an ‘immanentist’ perspective, according to which the sources of meaning must be sought entirely within the sphere of our purely human pursuits and activities. This chapter, by contrast, lays stress on the yearning for transcendence that seems an ineradicable part of our nature. It is argued that no human life can be fully meaningful if it denies or supresses that yearning, and that purely immanent goals cannot satisfy it. This in turn points to the need for humans to find a vehicle whereby they can enact their longing for an ultimate source of meaning and value, and seek to align themselves with the transcendent good for which they long.
Stakeholder perceptions of and attitudes towards problematic polypharmacy and prescribing cascades: a qualitative study
Authors: Jennings Aisling A , Doherty Ann Sinéad , Clyne Barbara , Boland Fiona , Moriarty Frank , Fahey Tom , Hally Larry , Kennelly Seán P , Wallace Emma
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Problematic polypharmacy is the prescribing of five or more medications potentially inappropriately. Unintentional prescribing cascades represent an under-researched aspect of problematic polypharmacy and occur when an adverse drug reaction (ADR) is misinterpreted as a new symptom resulting in the initiation of a new medication. The aim of this study was to elicit key stakeholders’ perceptions of and attitudes towards problematic polypharmacy, with a focus on prescribing cascades.

Methods

qualitative one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with predefined key stakeholder groups. Inductive thematic analysis was employed.

Results

Thirty-one stakeholders were interviewed: six patients, two carers, seven general practitioners, eight pharmacists, four hospital doctors, two professional organisation representatives and two policymakers. Three main themes were identified: (i) ADRs and prescribing cascades—a necessary evil. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) expressed concern that experiencing an ADR would negatively impact patients’ confidence in their doctor. However, patients viewed ADRs pragmatically as an unpredictable risk. (ii) Balancing the risk/benefit tipping point. The complexity of prescribing decisions in the context of polypharmacy made balancing this tipping point challenging. Consequently, HCPs avoided medication changes. (iii) The minefield of medication reconciliation. Stakeholders, including patients and carers, viewed medication reconciliation as a perilous activity due to systemic communication deficits.

Conclusion

Stakeholders believed that at a certain depth of polypharmacy, the risk that a new symptom is being caused by an existing medication becomes incalculable. Therefore, in the absence of harm, medication changes were avoided. However, medication reconciliation post hospital discharge compelled prescribing decisions and was seen as a high-risk activity by stakeholders.
Population decline of the saguaro cactus throughout its distribution is associated with climate change
Authors: Félix-Burruel Ricardo E , Larios Eugenio , González Edgar J , Búrquez Alberto
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Climate change is a global phenomenon affecting species, which in arid regions will translate into more frequent and intense periods of drought. The Sonoran Desert is becoming hotter and drier, and many organisms are rapidly changing in abundance and distribution. These population attributes depend directly on the dynamics of the population, which in turn depends on the vital rates of its individuals; yet few studies have documented the effects of climate change on the population dynamics of keystone species such as the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea). Although saguaros have traits that enable them to withstand present environmental conditions, climate change could make them vulnerable if forced beyond their tolerance limits.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of climate change on 13 saguaro populations spanning most of the species’ distribution range. Using field data from 2014 to 2016, we built an integral projection model (IPM) describing the environmentally explicit dynamics of the populations. We used this IPM, along with projections of two climate change scenarios and one no-change scenario, to predict population sizes (N) and growth rates (λ) from 2017 to 2099 and compared these scenarios to demonstrate the effect of climate change on the future of saguaro cactuses.

Key Results

We found that all populations will decline, mainly due to future increases in drought, mostly hindering recruitment. However, the decline will be different across populations, since those located near the coast will be affected by harsher drought events than those located further inland.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that climate change and its associated increase in drought pose a significant threat to the saguaro cactus populations in the Sonoran Desert. Our findings indicate that the recruitment of saguaros, vital for establishing new individuals, is particularly vulnerable to intensifying drought conditions. Importantly, regional climate trends will have different impacts on saguaro populations across their distribution range.
sincFold: end-to-end learning of short- and long-range interactions in RNA secondary structure
Authors: Bugnon Leandro A , Di Persia Leandro , Gerard Matias , Raad Jonathan , Prochetto Santiago , Fenoy Emilio , Chorostecki Uciel , Ariel Federico , Stegmayer Georgina , Milone Diego H
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Coding and noncoding RNA molecules participate in many important biological processes. Noncoding RNAs fold into well-defined secondary structures to exert their functions. However, the computational prediction of the secondary structure from a raw RNA sequence is a long-standing unsolved problem, which after decades of almost unchanged performance has now re-emerged due to deep learning. Traditional RNA secondary structure prediction algorithms have been mostly based on thermodynamic models and dynamic programming for free energy minimization. More recently deep learning methods have shown competitive performance compared with the classical ones, but there is still a wide margin for improvement.

Results

In this work we present sincFold, an end-to-end deep learning approach, that predicts the nucleotides contact matrix using only the RNA sequence as input. The model is based on 1D and 2D residual neural networks that can learn short- and long-range interaction patterns. We show that structures can be accurately predicted with minimal physical assumptions. Extensive experiments were conducted on several benchmark datasets, considering sequence homology and cross-family validation. sincFold was compared with classical methods and recent deep learning models, showing that it can outperform the state-of-the-art methods.
Peptide-based drug discovery through artificial intelligence: towards an autonomous design of therapeutic peptides
Authors: Goles Montserrat , Daza Anamaría , Cabas-Mora Gabriel , Sarmiento-Varón Lindybeth , Sepúlveda-Yañez Julieta , Anvari-Kazemabad Hoda , Davari Mehdi D , Uribe-Paredes Roberto , Olivera-Nappa Álvaro , Navarrete Marcelo A , Medina-Ortiz David
Published: June 2024

With their diverse biological activities, peptides are promising candidates for therapeutic applications, showing antimicrobial, antitumour and hormonal signalling capabilities. Despite their advantages, therapeutic peptides face challenges such as short half-life, limited oral bioavailability and susceptibility to plasma degradation. The rise of computational tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in peptide research has spurred the development of advanced methodologies and databases that are pivotal in the exploration of these complex macromolecules. This perspective delves into integrating AI in peptide development, encompassing classifier methods, predictive systems and the avant-garde design facilitated by deep-generative models like generative adversarial networks and variational autoencoders. There are still challenges, such as the need for processing optimization and careful validation of predictive models. This work outlines traditional strategies for machine learning model construction and training techniques and proposes a comprehensive AI-assisted peptide design and validation pipeline. The evolving landscape of peptide design using AI is emphasized, showcasing the practicality of these methods in expediting the development and discovery of novel peptides within the context of peptide-based drug discovery.
Provision of choline chloride to the bovine preimplantation embryo alters postnatal body size and DNA methylation
Authors: Haimon McKenzie L J , Estrada-Cortés Eliab , Amaral Thiago F , Martin Hélène , Jeensuk Surawich , Block Jeremy , Heredia Daniella , Venturini M , Rojas Camila Santos , Gonella-Diaza Angela M , DiLorenzo Nicolas , Scheffler Tracy L , Dufour Pascal , Sirard Marc-André , de Melo Gabriela Dalmaso , Pohler Ky G , Hansen Peter J
Published: June 2024

Choline is a vital micronutrient. In this study, we aimed to confirm, and expand on previous findings, how choline impacts embryos from the first 7 days of development to affect postnatal phenotype. Bos indicus embryos were cultured in a choline-free medium (termed vehicle) or medium supplemented with 1.8 mM choline. Blastocyst-stage embryos were transferred into crossbred recipients. Once born, calves were evaluated at birth, 94 days, 178 days, and at weaning (average age = 239 days). Following weaning, all calves were enrolled into a feed efficiency trial before being separated by sex, with males being slaughtered at ~580 days of age. Results confirm that exposure of 1.8 mM choline chloride during the first 7 days of development alters postnatal characteristics of the resultant calves. Calves of both sexes from choline-treated embryos were consistently heavier through weaning and males had heavier testes at 3 months of age. There were sex-dependent alterations in DNA methylation in whole blood caused by choline treatment. After weaning, feed efficiency was affected by an interaction with sex, with choline calves being more efficient for females and less efficient for males. Calves from choline-treated embryos were heavier, or tended to be heavier, than calves from vehicle embryos at all observations after weaning. Carcass weight was heavier for choline calves and the cross-sectional area of the longissimus thoracis muscle was increased by choline.
Fast matrix completion in epigenetic methylation studies with informative covariates
Authors: Ribaud Mélina , Labbe Aurélie , Fouda Khaled , Oualkacha Karim
Published: June 2024

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark that modulates gene expression through the inhibition of transcriptional proteins binding to DNA. As in many other omics experiments, the issue of missing values is an important one, and appropriate imputation techniques are important in avoiding an unnecessary sample size reduction as well as to optimally leverage the information collected. We consider the case where relatively few samples are processed via an expensive high-density whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) strategy and a larger number of samples is processed using more affordable low-density, array-based technologies. In such cases, one can impute the low-coverage (array-based) methylation data using the high-density information provided by the WGBS samples. In this paper, we propose an efficient Linear Model of Coregionalisation with informative Covariates (LMCC) to predict missing values based on observed values and covariates. Our model assumes that at each site, the methylation vector of all samples is linked to the set of fixed factors (covariates) and a set of latent factors. Furthermore, we exploit the functional nature of the data and the spatial correlation across sites by assuming some Gaussian processes on the fixed and latent coefficient vectors, respectively. Our simulations show that the use of covariates can significantly improve the accuracy of imputed values, especially in cases where missing data contain some relevant information about the explanatory variable. We also showed that our proposed model is particularly efficient when the number of columns is much greater than the number of rows—which is usually the case in methylation data analysis. Finally, we apply and compare our proposed method with alternative approaches on two real methylation datasets, showing how covariates such as cell type, tissue type or age can enhance the accuracy of imputed values.
Disrupted cerebellar structural connectome in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 and its association with transcriptional profiles
Authors: Dong Xinyi , Liu Bing , Huang Weijie , Chen Haojie , Zhang Yunhao , Yao Zeshan , Shmuel Amir , Yang Aocai , Dai Zhengjia , Ma Guolin , Shu Ni
Published: June 2024

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is primarily characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, including gray matter atrophy and disrupted anatomical and functional connectivity. The alterations of cerebellar white matter structural network in SCA3 and the underlying neurobiological mechanism remain unknown. Using a cohort of 20 patients with SCA3 and 20 healthy controls, we constructed cerebellar structural networks from diffusion MRI and investigated alterations of topological organization. Then, we mapped the alterations with transcriptome data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas to identify possible biological mechanisms for regional selective vulnerability to white matter damage. Compared with healthy controls, SCA3 patients exhibited reduced global and nodal efficiency, along with a widespread decrease in edge strength, particularly affecting edges connected to hub regions. The strength of inter-module connections was lower in SCA3 group and negatively correlated with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score, International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale score, and cytosine–adenine–guanine repeat number. Moreover, the transcriptome–connectome association study identified the expression of genes involved in synapse-related and metabolic biological processes. These findings suggest a mechanism of white matter vulnerability and a potential image biomarker for the disease severity, providing insights into neurodegeneration and pathogenesis in this disease.
Daily oral administration of probiotics engineered to constantly secrete short-chain fatty acids effectively prevents myocardial injury from subsequent ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Pham Quynh Hoa , Bui Thi Van Anh , Sim Woo-Sup , Lim King Hoo , Law Carmen Oi Kwan , Tan Wanyu , Kim Ri Youn , Chow Kwan Ting , Park Hun-Jun , Ban Kiwon , Lau Terrence Chi Kong
Published: June 2024

Aims

Given the extremely limited regeneration potential of the heart, one of the most effective strategies to reduce the prevalence and mortality of coronary artery disease is prevention. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are by-products of beneficial probiotics, have been reported to possess cardioprotective effects. Despite their beneficial roles, delivering SCFAs and maintaining their effective concentration in plasma present major challenges. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to devise a strategy to prevent coronary heart disease effectively by using engineered probiotics to continuously release SCFAs in vivo.

Methods and results

We engineered a novel probiotic cocktail, namely EcN_TL, from the commercially available Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) strain to continuously secrete SCFAs by introducing the propionate and butyrate biosynthetic pathways. Oral administration of EcN_TL enhanced and maintained an effective concentration of SCFAs in the plasma. As a preventative strategy, we observed that daily intake of EcN_TL for 14 days prior to ischaemia–reperfusion injury significantly reduced myocardial injury and improved cardiac performance compared with EcN administration. We uncovered that EcN_TL’s protective mechanisms included reducing neutrophil infiltration into the infarct site and promoting the polarization of wound healing macrophages. We further revealed that SCFAs at plasma concentration protected cardiomyocytes from inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB activation pathway.

Conclusion

These data provide strong evidence to support the use of SCFA-secreting probiotics to prevent coronary heart disease. Since SCFAs also play a key role in other metabolic diseases, EcN_TL can potentially be used to treat a variety of other diseases.
Using DNA barcoding to identify high-priority taxa (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Authors: Landers Emerie , Claridge Brandon , Kuhn Will , Seymour Victoria , Peek Hettie , Fluet Scout , Ramgren Jake , Phelps Jake , Paulk Brayden , Cordner Lydia , Blaschke Jeremy
Published: June 2024

The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) seeks to document every species of living thing in the park. The ATBI is decades in progress, yet some taxa remain virtually untouched by taxonomists. Such “high priority” taxa include the hyper-diverse parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae. Despite the positive and multifaceted effects ichneumonids have on their environment, only a small percentage of those collected in the park have been identified as species, mostly to their complex morphology and overwhelming diversity. Recently, DNA barcoding has transformed biodiversity inventories, streamlining the process to be more rapid and efficient. To test the effectiveness of barcoding 20 + year-old specimens of Ichneumonidae and catalog new records for GSMNP, COI was amplified from 95 ichneumonid morphospecies collected from Andrew’s Bald, NC. Species identifications were confirmed morphologically. Eighty-one ichneumonids generated sequence data, representing 16 subfamilies and 44 genera. The subfamily Oxytorinae is newly recorded from GSMNP, along with 10 newly recorded genera and 23 newly recorded species across Ichneumonidae. These results contribute significantly to the ATBI by adding new park records for a high-priority taxon and demonstrate the effectiveness of applying DNA barcoding to samples in long-term storage or those lacking immediate taxonomic expertise.
Postoperative day 1 discharge following subxiphoid thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection: a single-centre, postoperative enhanced recovery experience
Authors: Pfeuty Karel , Rojas Dorian , Iquille Jules , Lenot Bernard
Published: June 2024

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to assess the safety and quality of recovery (QOR) after discharge on postoperative day (POD) 1 following subxiphoid thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection within an advanced Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Characteristics, perioperative and outcome data, compliance with ERAS pathways and a home–transition QOR survey were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

From January 2020 to January 2022, a total of 201 consecutive patients underwent subxiphoid multiportal thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection, comprising 108 lobectomies and 93 sublobar resections (SLRs) (59 complex SLRs and 34 simple SLRs). Among them, 113 patients (56%) were discharged on POD 1, 49% after a lobectomy, 59% after a simple sublobar resection and 68% after a complex sublobar resection. In the multivariable analysis, age > 74 years and duration of the operation were associated with discharge after POD 1, whereas forced expiratory volume in 1 s and complex SLRs were associated with discharge on POD 1. Chest tube removal was achieved on POD 0 in 58 patients (29%), and 138 patients (69%) were free from a chest tube on POD 1. There were 13% with in-hospital morbidity, 10% with 90-day readmission (7% after POD 1 discharge and 14% in patients discharged after POD 1), and 0.5% with 90-day mortality. Patients discharged on POD 1 showed better compliance with the ERAS pathway with early chest tube removal and opioid-free analgesia. The home–transition QOR survey reported a better experience of returning home after discharge on POD 1 and similar pain scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative day 1 discharge can be safely achieved in appropriately selected patients after subxiphoid thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection, with excellent outcomes and high quality of recovery, supported by early chest tube removal as a determinant ERAS pathway.
Contemporary intergeneric hybridization and backcrossing among birds-of-paradise
Authors: Thörn Filip , Soares André E R , Müller Ingo A , Päckert Martin , Frahnert Sylke , van Grouw Hein , Kamminga Pepijn , Peona Valentina , Suh Alexander , Blom Mozes P K , Irestedt Martin
Published: June 2024

Despite large differences in morphology, behavior and lek-mating strategies the birds-of-paradise are known to hybridize occasionally, even across different genera. Many of these bird-of-paradise hybrids were originally described as distinct species based on large morphological differences when compared to recognized species. Nowadays, these specimens are generally recognized as hybrids based on morphological assessments. Having fascinated naturalists for centuries, hybrid specimens of birds-of-paradise have been collected and the specimens kept in Natural History Collections. In the present study, we utilize this remarkable resource in a museomics framework and evaluate the genomic composition of most described intergeneric hybrids and some intrageneric hybrids. We show that the majority of investigated specimens are first-generation hybrids and that the parental species, in most cases, are in line with prior morphological assessments. We also identify two specimens that are the result of introgressive hybridization between different genera. Additionally, two specimens exhibit hybrid morphologies but have no identifiable signals of hybridization, which may indicate that minor levels of introgression can have large morphological effects. Our findings provide direct evidence of contemporary introgressive hybridization taking place between genera of birds-of-paradise in nature, despite markedly different morphologies and lek-mating behaviors.
Effect of microplastic pollution on the gut microbiome of anecic and endogeic earthworms
Authors: Papazlatani Christina , Garbeva Paolina , Huerta Lwanga Esperanza
Published: June 2024

Microplastic (MP) pollution constitutes an emerging type of pollution threatening both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The impact on aquatic ecosystems has been extensively studied, but the effect on terrestrial ecosystems and their inhabitants is mostly underexplored. In this study, we explored the effect of MP pollution on gut bacterial microbiome of endogeic (Aporrectodea caliginosa) and anecic (Lumbricus terrestris) earthworms. The experiments were performed in sandy soil with 0.2% of low-density polyethylene MPs (LDPE MPs). We observed that the endogeic earthworms had 100% survival, while anecic earthworms survived 25 days in the control (i.e. in absence of MPs) and 21 days in the treatment with LDPE MPs. The main driver of shifts in the diversity and composition of the bacterial communities in the gut of tested earthworms was the lifestyle of the worms, followed by the presence of MPs. The bacterial microbiome diversity was significantly different among the two types of earthworms, and the highest bacterial diversity was found in the gut of the endogeic earthworms. The effect of MPs on gut bacterial microbiome was clearly observed in the changes in the relative abundance of several phyla and families of the bacterial communities in both types of earthworms, although it was most evident in the anecic earthworms. The Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes were the main groups enhanced in the MP treatments, suggesting enrichment of the bacterial communities with potential plastic degraders.
The 2022 Har Lake earthquake sequence highlights a complex fault system in the western Qilian Shan, northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiong Wei , Xu Caijun , Chen Wei , Zhao Bin , Wen Yangmao
Published: June 2024

The 2022 Har Lake earthquake sequence, which began in 2022 January and lasted for ∼70 d, jolted the Har Lake area, which is located in the western Qilian Shan, northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Two Mw > 5.5 earthquakes occurred during the earthquake sequence, among which the March 25 Mw 5.8 event is considered the largest event recorded in the area. However, determining the seismogenic faults of the earthquake sequence, as well as the detailed rupture features, is difficult due to the lack of geological data and near-field seismological observations. In this study, we use Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to obtain the coseismic deformation field, identify possible ruptured faults and associated fault geometries, and further estimate detailed coseismic slip models of the two Mw > 5.5 earthquakes. The results show that the January 23 Mw 5.6 earthquake (Earthquake A) occurred on a N15° W-trending dextral-slip fault with a dip angle of ∼61°. For the March 25 Mw 5.8 earthquake (Earthquake B), the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data can be described by either an ∼N–S-trending dextral-slip fault or an ∼E–W-trending sinistral-slip fault. The ∼N–S-trending fault better describes the aftershock distribution, while the ∼E–W-trending model is more consistent with the regional geological setting. We suggest that the complex coseismic ruptures in the multiple-fault system are driven by widespread NE–SW-trending compression in the western Qilian Shan. This study demonstrates the importance of integrating geodetic and seismological observations to capture the full complexity of moderate earthquakes and further suggests potential seismic hazards in the Har Lake area.
Geologically constrained geometry inversion and null-space navigation to explore alternative geological scenarios: a case study in the Western Pyrenees
Authors: Giraud Jérémie , Ford Mary , Caumon Guillaume , Ogarko Vitaliy , Grose Lachlan , Martin Roland , Cupillard Paul
Published: June 2024

Reducing the gap between geophysical inversion and geological interpretation can be achieved by integrating geological modelling into geophysical inversion. For this, we use a generalized, iterative level-set gravity inversion scheme in which geological units are deformed automatically. During the inversion process, a regularization term is defined using automated geological modelling to account for geological data and principles. This provides model-dependent geological constraints and encourages geological realism throughout inversion. To alleviate the dependence on the starting model and consider the possibility of features unseen by direct observations, an automated geophysical data-driven method is proposed to insert new rock units in the model. Uncertainty quantification is achieved through the null-space shuttle algorithm, which is used to generate a series of alternative models that are consistent with geophysical data. This methodology is applied to assess the uncertainties of a pre-existing 3-D crustal-scale geological model of the Western Pyrenean orogeny (France, Spain). The area is characterized by a positive gravity anomaly generally attributed to the presence of a shallow mantle body. The impact of variations in shape and density of key crustal and mantle features is investigated. Different scenarios are explored in 3-D space to produce a range of viable, relatively simple crustal-scale models of the area. This application demonstrates the capability and potential of this approach to evaluate alternative interpretations of geophysical data. The results show the plausibility of scenarios with a shorter subducted Iberian lower crust and a denser Axial Zone than in the pre-existing model.
Cytomegalovirus Antiviral Resistance Among Kidney Transplant Recipients in a Phase 3 Trial of Letermovir vs Valganciclovir Prophylaxis
Authors: Strizki Julie M , Diamond Tracy L , Teal Valerie L , Gilbert Christopher L , Wang Weiwen , Stauffer Nicole , Haber Barbara A
Published: June 2024

Background

In a phase 3 trial, letermovir was noninferior to valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients who were CMV-seronegative and received kidneys from donors who were CMV-seropositive. Genotypic antiviral resistance and CMV glycoprotein B (gB) genotype are reported.

Methods

Plasma samples with detectable CMV DNA were sequenced for the presence of known letermovir and valganciclovir resistance-associated amino acid substitutions (RASs) encoded by CMV gene regions (UL51, UL54, UL56, UL89, UL97) and prevalence of gB (UL55) genotypes (gB1–gB5).

Results

Among participants, 84 of 292 (letermovir) and 93 of 297 (valganciclovir) had evaluable data for ≥1 gene target. Letermovir RASs were not detected in participants who received letermovir prophylaxis; however, 3 had valganciclovir RASs (pUL97). Twelve participants who received valganciclovir prophylaxis had valganciclovir RASs (pUL54, pUL97), and 1 who did not receive letermovir during the trial had letermovir RASs (pUL56). All but 1 participant responded to valganciclovir treatment irrespective of breakthrough CMV DNAemia or frequency of RASs. gB1 was the most frequent genotype across all participants and subgroups.

Conclusions

Letermovir RASs were not detected with letermovir prophylaxis, supporting a low risk for development of resistance in kidney transplant recipients who were CMV-seronegative and received kidneys from donors who were CMV-seropositive.

Clinical Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03443869; EudraCT, 2017-001055-30.
The deadweight loss in competition litigation seen from compensation and deterrence perspective: lessons from a Chilean price-fixing cartel
Authors: Gonzalez Aldo , Weber Franziska
Published: June 2024

Competition law enforcement is continuously being fine-tuned to serve two important goals: compensation and deterrence. This is true for the European Union, where the discussions about this balancing exercise are far from final and also for other parts of the world. This article focuses on a currently neglected damage component in litigation and its potential in this regard: the deadweight loss. It emerges for those consumers at the end of the supply chain that would have bought the product at the market price but for the cartel but do not acquire it at the cartelized price (anymore). Importantly, this article will outline how it can simultaneously serve both, the compensation and deterrence goals. It is a challenging damage component. However, a Chilean court in 2019 awarded final consumers compensation for the deadweight loss that others suffered aside from the price mark-up that some paid. The article exemplifies what aspects of Chilean law enabled this judgment and briefly assesses the latest European developments in collective redress in this regard.
Optimization of the replication of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in vitro
Authors: Harlow Jennifer , Dallner Matthew , Nasheri Neda
Published: June 2024

Aims

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for ∼20 million human infections worldwide every year. The genotypes HEV-3 and HEV-4 are zoonotic and are responsible for most of the autochthonous HEV cases in high-income countries. There are several cell culture systems that allow for propagation of different HEV genotypes in vitro. One of these systems uses human lung carcinoma cells (A549), and was further optimized for propagation of HEV-3 47832c strain. In this study, we investigated the effect of different media supplements as well as microRNA-122 (miR-122) on improving the replication of HEV-3 47832c in A549 cells.

Methods and Results

We observed that supplementation of maintenance media with 5% fetal bovine serum was sufficient for efficient replication of HEV-3, and verified the positive effect of media supplementation with Amphotericin B, MgCl2, and dimethyl sulfoxide on replication of HEV-3. We have also demonstrated that adding miR-122 mimics to the culture media does not have any significant effect on the replication of HEV-3 47832c.

Conclusions

Herein, we detected over a 6-fold increase in HEV-3 replication in A549/D3 cells by adding all three supplements: Amphotericin B, MgCl2, and dimethyl sulfoxide to the culture media, while demonstrating that miR-122 might not play a key role in replication of HEV-3 47832c.
The sublethal concentration of acetamiprid suppresses the population growth of 2 species of wheat aphids, Sitobion miscanthi and Schizaphis graminum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Li Xinan , Zhang Wen , Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Xiaoya , Song Chengze , Zhang Pei , Li Guangling , Zhu Xun , Zhang Baizhong
Published: June 2024

Sitobion miscanthi and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) are the 2 main aphid species that occur simultaneously, causing significant loss to wheat production. Acetamiprid has been used to control a variety of pests, including aphids. In this study, the sublethal effect of acetamiprid on S. miscanthi and S. graminum was evaluated using life-table analyses. The results showed that acetamiprid has a high toxicity to S. miscanthi and S. graminum with a LC50 of 1.90 and 3.58 mg/L at 24 h, respectively. The adult longevity and fecundity of S. miscanthi and S. graminum F0 generation were significantly reduced after being exposed to a sublethal concentration of acetamiprid. Additionally, the sublethal concentration of acetamiprid had negative transgenerational effects on S. miscanthi and S. graminum, which showed a significant decrease in fecundity and population life-table parameters involving age-stage-specific survival rate (sxj), age-specific survival rate (lx), and intrinsic rate of increase (r). Furthermore, the population projections showed that the total population size of S. miscanthi and S. graminum was significantly lower in the aphid group exposed to sublethal concentration of acetamiprid compared to the control group. These results suggest that sublethal concentration of acetamiprid suppresses the population growth of S. miscanthi and S. graminum. This finding is beneficial to the control of wheat aphids, and is important to fully understand the role of acetamiprid in integrated pest management.
A deep learning operator-based numerical scheme method for solving 1D wave equations
Authors: Chang Yunfan , Yang Dinghui , He Xijun
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we introduce the deep numerical technique DeepNM, which is designed for solving one-dimensional (1D) hyperbolic conservation laws, particularly wave equations. By creatively integrating traditional numerical schemes with deep learning techniques, the method yields improvements over conventional approaches. Specifically, we compare this approach against two established classical numerical methods: the discontinuous Galerkin method (DG) and the Lax–Wendroff correction method (LWC). While maintaining a comparable level of accuracy, DeepNM significantly improves computational speed, surpassing conventional numerical methods in this aspect by more than tenfold, and reducing storage requirements by over 1000 times. Furthermore, DeepNM facilitates the utilization of higher-order numerical schemes and allows for an increased number of grid points, thereby enhancing precision. In contrast to the more prevalent PINN method, DeepNM optimally combines the strengths of conventional mathematical techniques with deep learning, resulting in heightened accuracy and expedited computations for solving partial differential equations. Notably, DeepNM introduces a novel research paradigm for numerical equation-solving that can be seamlessly integrated with various traditional numerical methods.
Stable Q-compensated reverse time migration in TTI media based on a modified fractional Laplacian pure-viscoacoustic wave equation
Authors: Li Fei , Mao Qiang , Chen Juan , Huang Yan , Huang Jianping
Published: June 2024

The anisotropy and attenuation properties of real earth media can lead to amplitude reduction and phase dispersion as seismic waves propagate through it. Ignoring these effects will degrade the resolution of seismic imaging profiles, thereby affecting the accuracy of geological interpretation. To characterize the impacts of viscosity and anisotropy, we formulate a modified pure-viscoacoustic (PU-V) wave equation including the decoupled fractional Laplacian (DFL) for tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media, which enables the generation of stable wavefields that are resilient to noise interference. Numerical tests show that the newly derived PU-V wave equation is capable of accurately simulating the viscoacoustic wavefields in anisotropic media with strong attenuation. Building on our TTI PU-V wave equation, we implement stable reverse time migration technique with attenuation compensation (Q-TTI RTM), effectively migrating the impacts of anisotropy and compensates for attenuation. In the Q-TTI RTM workflow, to remove the unstable high-frequency components in attenuation-compensated wavefields, we construct a stable attenuation-compensated wavefield modeling (ACWM) operator. The proposed stable ACWM operator consists of velocity anisotropic and attenuation anisotropic parameters, effectively suppressing the high-frequency artifacts in the attenuation-compensated wavefield. Synthetic examples demonstrate that our stable Q-TTI RTM technique can simultaneously and accurately correct for the influences of anisotropy and attenuation, resulting in the high-quality imaging results.
Extrajudicial border enforcement against LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers
Authors: Espinosa Adriana , Hampton Kathryn , Nathwani Nishin , Powell Kimahli , Sereneo Monique , Wackett Curtis
Published: June 2024

Recent scholarship has highlighted how states differentially restrict the movement of persons who are divergently racialized, gendered, sexualized, abled, and aged. This paper explores the phenomenon of extrajudicial border enforcement—instances where airline officials act on behalf of states to prevent the cross-border movement of marginalized persons. Based on a qualitative analysis of fifty-two cases of failed travel of at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons attempting to cross an international border between April 2018 and April 2022, this paper offers an intersectional lens into how airline officials, whom the coauthors term extended state agents, deny boarding to individuals through an arbitrary and discretionary process, despite the individual’s compliance with the entry requirements of transit and destination countries. Because state penalties incentivize these boarding denials, implementation of carrier sanctions should be understood as a byproduct of law rather than an exemption from it. These expulsions without due process are in sharp contrast to the LGBTIQ+ rights affirming rhetoric of the expelling states, which we characterize as a form of pinkwashing. In this analysis, coauthors question the responsibility of states in human rights violations consequent to denial of boarding under carrier sanctions regimes.