bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-quality habitats and refuges from tourism reduce individual stress responses in a forest specialist
Authors: Rösner Sascha , Schabo Dana G. , Palme Rupert , Lorenc Tomáš , Mussard-Forster Emily , Brandl Roland , Müller Jörg
Published: February 2023

Context The assessment of suitable habitat for a species is often evaluated based merely on where the species is most abundant. However, a variety of environmental factors such as temperature, resources and human disturbances might force animals to avoid otherwise high-quality habitats. Additionally, individuals’ capacities to cope with such factors – as reflected in physiological stress responses – may also contribute to avoidance. Combining measures of stress response of individual animals with habitat suitability models may contribute essential insights to the development of species conservation plans. Aims We used a landscape-level approach to assess whether habitat quality, abiotic factors and human disturbance affect the physiological stress response of a forest specialist, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), and to what extent these relationships are determined by variation between individuals. Methods We applied a non-invasive approach by collecting 1096 droppings across the entire species range in two adjacent national parks spanning the border between the Czech Republic and Germany. We measured faecal corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) to evaluate the physiological stress response. To test the influences of temperature, habitat quality, season and sex, as well as forest management and tourism intensity on FCM levels, we used generalised additive mixed effect models (GAMMs). The same models were applied for a reduced subset of randomly selected samples that were attributed to individuals via DNA profiling using 10 microsatellite loci. This approach allowed us to control for possible individual differences (through repeated measures within individual genotypes). Key results Both models revealed decreasing FCM levels with increasing habitat quality and showed no relationship between increasing forestry intensity and FCMs. When accounting for individual identity, we found a significant positive effect from increasing tourism intensity, although this relationship was not significant in the full dataset. Conclusions Our results highlight three conclusions for the conservation of capercaillie: (1) high-quality habitats reduce stress levels; (2) tourism-free refuge areas are important, and (3) individuality appears to be a strong determinant of response to environmental factors. Implications Generalising management recommendations from observations for single individuals to an entire population may be inappropriate.
Elucidation of a dynamic interplay between a beta-2 adrenergic receptor, its agonist, and stimulatory G protein
Authors: Han Yanxiao , Dawson John R. D. , DeMarco Kevin R. , Rouen Kyle C. , Bekker Slava , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir , Clancy Colleen E. , Xiang Yang K. , Vorobyov Igor
Published: February 2023

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest group of membrane receptors for transmembrane signal transduction. Ligand-induced activation of GPCRs triggers G protein activation followed by various signaling cascades. Understanding the structural and energetic determinants of ligand binding to GPCRs and GPCRs to G proteins is crucial to the design of pharmacological treatments targeting specific conformations of these proteins to precisely control their signaling properties. In this study, we focused on interactions of a prototypical GPCR, beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), with its endogenous agonist, norepinephrine (NE), and the stimulatory G protein (Gs). Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we demonstrated the stabilization of cationic NE, NE(+), binding to β2AR by Gsprotein recruitment, in line with experimental observations. We also captured the partial dissociation of the ligand from β2AR and the conformational interconversions of Gsbetween closed and open conformations in the NE(+)–β2AR–Gsternary complex while it is still bound to the receptor. The variation of NE(+) binding poses was found to alter Gsα subunit (Gsα) conformational transitions. Our simulations showed that the interdomain movement and the stacking of Gsα α1 and α5 helices are significant for increasing the distance between the Gsα and β2AR, which may indicate a partial dissociation of Gsα The distance increase commences when Gsα is predominantly in an open state and can be triggered by the intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) of β2AR interacting with Gsα, causing conformational changes of the α5 helix. Our results help explain molecular mechanisms of ligand and GPCR-mediated modulation of G protein activation.
Mouse models of human multiple myeloma subgroups
Authors: Winkler Wiebke , Farré Díaz Carlota , Blanc Eric , Napieczynska Hanna , Langner Patrick , Werner Marvin , Walter Barbara , Wollert-Wulf Brigitte , Yasuda Tomoharu , Heuser Arnd , Beule Dieter , Mathas Stephan , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Rosenwald Andreas , Rajewsky Klaus , Janz Martin
Published: February 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM), a tumor of germinal center (GC)-experienced plasma cells, comprises distinct genetic subgroups, such as the t(11;14)/CCND1 and the t(4;14)/MMSET subtype. We have generated genetically defined, subgroup-specific MM models by the GC B cell-specific coactivation of mouse Ccnd1 or MMSET with a constitutively active Ikk2 mutant, mimicking the secondary NF-κB activation frequently seen in human MM. Ccnd1/Ikk2ca and MMSET/Ikk2ca mice developed a pronounced, clonally restricted plasma cell outgrowth with age, accompanied by serum M spikes, bone marrow insufficiency, and bone lesions. The transgenic plasma cells could be propagated in vivo and showed distinct transcriptional profiles, resembling their human MM counterparts. Thus, we show that targeting the expression of genes involved in MM subgroup-specific chromosomal translocations into mouse GC B cells translates into distinct MM-like diseases that recapitulate key features of the human tumors, opening the way to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and therapeutic vulnerabilities of different MM subgroups.
A European model of polite conversation?
Authors: Alfonzetti Giovanna
Published: February 2023

This paper reconstructs the model of polite conversation that is outlined in two Italian conduct books, Della Casa’s Galateo (1774 [1558]) and Gioia’s Il Nuovo Galateo (1802–1827), a model which will then be compared with one detailed in the German text Über den Umgang mit Menschen by Adolph Knigge (1788). The main aim of this study is to highlight the similarities and differences in texts from different historical time periods and geographical areas, in order to identify a European model of polite conversation, whose roots lie in classical, humanist and Renaissance traditions, and which has some features that are still relevant today. There are some clear similarities between this European model and first-generation theories of politeness, despite the different intent that should distinguish “normative texts” and “descriptive models”. This raises an interesting theoretical question: when studying a social and ethical issue such as politeness, to what extent is it possible to advocate a clear separation between description and prescription?
Investigation on optical and electrical properties of soil discharge under pulse voltage
Authors: Yang Yong , Pi Xiaoqian , Li Chi , Li Chuan , Zhang Haoqin , Chen Huan , Yu Ziheng , Yang Shuai
Published: February 2023

Many researchers have studied the application of low temperature plasma in soil remediation, but most focus on the degradation efficiency of a specific pollutant, and less attention is paid to the development and evolution process of plasma behind the soil remediation. In this paper, the possible mechanism behind soil discharge under pulse voltage is studied from the perspectives of electricity and optics. The electrical and optical analyses show that the soil discharge under pulse voltage mainly exists at the rising stage of pulse voltage, and the existence time is related with the pulse voltage amplitude. At the same time, the relative intensity of active substances (•OH, H, O Ⅱ and N Ⅰ), vibration temperature and rotational temperature are obtained by using the emission spectrum, which demonstrate that high pulse voltage can increase the concentration of active substances, vibration temperature and rotational temperature.
Anomalous Hall effect of facing-target sputtered Fe3SnN epitaxial film
Authors: Zhang Dongyao , Jiang Jiawei , Li Rui , Mi Wenbo
Published: February 2023

In this work, polycrystalline iron tin nitride films on different substrates with various nitrogen flow rates were deposited using the facing-target reactive sputtering method. Fe3SnN(111) epitaxial films were fabricated on both Al2O3(0001) and MgO(111) with two standard cubic centimeter per minute N2. The structures, electronic transport and magnetic properties were investigated systematically. The signs of the Hall resistivity slope in a high-field region are reversed when the temperature increases above 50 K, which suggests a temperature-induced transition of charge carriers from electron to hole. The longitudinal resistivity of films indicates metallic conductance mechanism. Different scaling laws were used to distinguish the physical mechanism underlying the observed anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in 60 nm thick Fe3SnN(111) epitaxial film. The skew scattering mechanism is demonstrated to play a dominant role in the AHE. This work not only offers a clear understanding of polycrystalline iron tin nitride films, but also contributes to the fabrication and applications of Fe3SnN(111) epitaxial films in spintronics.
Tuning metal/superconductor to insulator/superconductor coupling via control of proximity enhancement between NbSe2 monolayers
Authors: Chiatti Olivio , Mihov Klara , Griffin Theodor U , Grosse Corinna , Alemayehu Matti B , Hite Kyle , Hamann Danielle , Mogilatenko Anna , Johnson David C , Fischer Saskia F
Published: February 2023

The interplay between charge transfer and electronic disorder in transition-metal dichalcogenide multilayers gives rise to superconductive coupling driven by proximity enhancement, tunneling and superconducting fluctuations, of a yet unwieldy variety. Artificial spacer layers introduced with atomic precision change the density of states by charge transfer. Here, we tune the superconductive coupling between

NbS

e

2

monolayers from proximity-enhanced to tunneling-dominated. We correlate normal and superconducting properties in

SnSe

1
+
δ

m

NbS

e

2

1

tailored multilayers with varying SnSe layer thickness (

m
=
1
−
15

). From high-field magnetotransport the critical fields yield Ginzburg–Landau coherence lengths with an increase of

140
%

cross-plane (

m
=
1
−
9

), trending towards two-dimensional superconductivity for

m
>
9

. We show cross-overs between three regimes: metallic with proximity-enhanced coupling (

m
=
1
−
4

), disordered-metallic with intermediate coupling (

m
=
5
−
9

) and insulating with Josephson tunneling (

m
>
9

). Our results demonstrate that stacking metal mono- and dichalcogenides allows to convert a metal/superconductor into an insulator/superconductor system, prospecting the control of two-dimensional superconductivity in embedded layers.
Optical film-thinning of graphene epitaxially grown on 4H-SiC(0001): robustness of monolayer-graphene against the photoexcitation
Authors: Horie Ryosuke , Hirosue Ryuichi , Kanasaki Jun’ichi , Kisoda Kenji , Yamamoto Isamu , Azuma Junpei , Takahashi Kazutoshi
Published: February 2023

As the properties of graphene films depend on their stacked atomic layers, their thickness should be accurately controlled to improve their specific properties. However, by existing methods, controlling the homogeneity of graphene films at the atomic level remains difficult. In this work, photo-stimulated structural modifications of few-layer graphene epitaxially grown on 4H-SiC(0001) were studied using Raman scattering spectroscopy and core-level photoemission spectroscopy (CLPES). Iterative excitation with laser pulses (800 nm, 100 fs, p-polarized, 250 mJ cm−2) changed the graphene-related two-dimensional (2D) Raman line, which is composed of three components characterized by their different responses upon photoexcitation: two components decaying at fast and slow rates, and a component highly resistant to excitation. CLPES revealed that the observed decay of the 2D line was associated with the elimination of carbon atoms from the graphene layers, finally leaving the robust thin film of single-layer graphene by prolonged excitation. Therefore, this work clearly demonstrates the thickness-dependent structural stability of graphene to optical excitation and opens a promising new method for thinning graphene. An underlying mechanism for the photo-stimulated modifications was also proposed.
Impurity metallic conduction below the critical concentration of metal-insulator transition in Fe

1−x

Co
x
Si
Authors: Krishnan M , Ganesan V
Published: February 2023

Analysis on very detailed measurements of resistivity (ρ) and thermoelectric power (S) of magnetic impurity (Co) substituted iron silicide (FeSi) has been presented in this report. The impurity valence electrons of Co dominate the whole physical properties at low temperatures below 35 K, below the critical concentration x

c
(≈0.02). The negative thermopower and the positive slope in the resistivity at low temperatures are exciting and show that the system is not entirely insulator below the critical concentration of metal–insulator transition (x

c
). So, due to the external impurity electrons, the system’s magnetic ground state could change considerably compared to the parent compound FeSi. This report may help unveil the interesting low-temperature transport properties between x = 0 and x = 0.04 (Fe

1
−
x

Co
x
Si). Two band model and variable range hopping model were employed to explain the low-temperature electrical and thermal transport properties.
Physics of molecular deformation mechanism in 6H-SiC
Authors: Mitra Nilanjan , Ramesh K T
Published: February 2023

Even though there have been several studies in literature of 6H SiC, a proper physics based understanding of the molecular deformation mechanisms of the material under different loading conditions is still lacking. Experimentally, the brittle nature of the material leads to difficulties associated with in-situ determination of molecular deformation mechanisms of the material under an applied load; whereas, the complex material structure along with the bonding environment prevents proper computational identification of different types of inelasticity mechanisms within the material. Molecular dynamics study (on successful verification of the interatomic potential with experimental results) of pristine single crystals of 6H SiC have been used to probe the physics of molecular deformation mechanisms of the material along with its inherent orientational anisotropy. The study elucidates the experimentally observed mechanisms of defect nucleation and evolution through a detailed analysis of radial distribution functions, x-ray diffraction as well as phonon vibrational studies of the single crystal. Studies have been presented at room temperature, initial high temperature and different types of confinement effects of the material (including hydrostatic and different biaxial loading cases). The confinement resulted in an increase in stress and stiffness whereas increase in initial temperature resulted in a decrease compared to uniaxial stress loading conditions at room temperature.
Composite capillary carbon tube Nb18W16O93 as advanced anode material for aqueous ion capacitors
Authors: Chen Huan , Zheng Yujing , Bao Hongliang , Zhang Huaihao , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2023

Niobium-tungsten bimetal oxides have received wide attention due to their excellent lattice properties. In this work, Nb18W16O93 (NbWO) with a tetragonal tungsten bronze structure was synthesized by simple hydrothermal method. NbWO was modified to provide high specific surface area via combining with hollow carbon nanotubes. Meanwhile, NbWO grows along the tube wall of carbon nanotubes, thus buffering the volume effect of NbWO particles. Also, the migration distance of Li-ion is effectively shortened, as well as the improved ion transfer efficiency and the reaction kinetics. In addition, carbon tube can enhance conductivity of NbWO, contributing to outstanding charge storage capacity and rate energy. Precisely, NbWO@C as electrode possesses large specific capacity (249.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and good rate performance (55.9% capacity retention from 0.5 to 2 A g−1). The aqueous Li-ion capacitor presents the advantages of high safety, low cost and good environmental friendliness. An asymmetric aqueous capacitor AC//NbWO@C, based on ‘water-in-salt’ electrolyte with high concentration lithium acetate, exhibits a large energy density of 43.2 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 9 kW kg−1. Generally, NbWO@C as anode materials shows superior application perspective.
Near-resonance approximation of rotating Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Cheng Bin , Sakellaris Zisis N
Published: February 2023

We formalise the concept of near resonance for the rotating Navier–Stokes equations, based on which we propose a novel way to approximate the original partial differential equation (PDE). The spatial domain is a three-dimensional flat torus of arbitrary aspect ratios. We prove that the family of proposed PDEs are globally well-posed for any rotation rate and initial datum of any size in any H

s
space with

s
⩾
0

. Such approximations retain many more 3-mode interactions, and are thus more accurate, than the conventional exact-resonance approach. Our approach is free from any limiting argument that requires physical parameters to tend to zero or infinity, and is free from any use of small divisors (so that all estimates depend smoothly on the torus’s aspect ratios). The key estimate hinges on the counting of integer solutions of Diophantine inequalities rather than Diophantine equations. Using a range of novel ideas, we handle rigorously and optimally challenges arising from the non-trivial irrational functions in these inequalities. The main results and ingredients of the proofs can form part of the mathematical foundation of a non-asymptotic approach to nonlinear, oscillatory dynamics in real-world applications.
Multifractal analysis for Markov interval maps with countably many branches
Authors: Rush Tom
Published: February 2023

We study multifractal decompositions based on Birkhoff averages for sequences of functions belonging to certain classes of symbolically continuous functions. We do this for an expanding interval map with countably many branches, which we assume can be coded by a topologically mixing countable Markov shift. This generalises previous work on expanding maps with finitely many branches, and expanding maps with countably many branches where the coding is assumed to be the full shift. When the infimum of the derivative on each branch approaches infinity in the limit, we can directly generalise the results of the full countable shift case. However when this does not hold, we show that there can be different behaviour, in particular in cases where the coding has finite topological entropy.
CTformer: convolution-free Token2Token dilated vision transformer for low-dose CT denoising
Authors: Wang Dayang , Fan Fenglei , Wu Zhan , Liu Rui , Wang Fei , Yu Hengyong
Published: February 2023

Objective. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) denoising is an important problem in CT research. Compared to the normal dose CT, LDCT images are subjected to severe noise and artifacts. Recently in many studies, vision transformers have shown superior feature representation ability over the convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, unlike CNNs, the potential of vision transformers in LDCT denoising was little explored so far. Our paper aims to further explore the power of transformer for the LDCT denoising problem. Approach. In this paper, we propose a Convolution-free Token2Token Dilated Vision Transformer (CTformer) for LDCT denoising. The CTformer uses a more powerful token rearrangement to encompass local contextual information and thus avoids convolution. It also dilates and shifts feature maps to capture longer-range interaction. We interpret the CTformer by statically inspecting patterns of its internal attention maps and dynamically tracing the hierarchical attention flow with an explanatory graph. Furthermore, overlapped inference mechanism is employed to effectively eliminate the boundary artifacts that are common for encoder-decoder-based denoising models. Main results. Experimental results on Mayo dataset suggest that the CTformer outperforms the state-of-the-art denoising methods with a low computational overhead. Significance. The proposed model delivers excellent denoising performance on LDCT. Moreover, low computational cost and interpretability make the CTformer promising for clinical applications.
Method of sparse-view coded-aperture x-ray diffraction tomography
Authors: Liang Kaichao , Zhang Li , Xing Yuxiang
Published: February 2023

Objective. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been considered as a valuable diagnostic technology providing material specific ‘finger-print’ information i.e. XRD pattern to distinguish different biological tissues. XRD tomography (XRDT) further obtains spatial-resolved XRD pattern distribution, which has become a frontier biological sample inspection method. Currently, XRD computed tomography (XRD-CT) featured by the conventional CT scan mode with rotation has the best spatial resolution among various XRDT methods, but its scan process takes hours. Meanwhile, snapshot XRDT methods such as coded-aperture XRDT (CA-XRDT) aim at direct imaging without scan movements. With compressed-sensing acquisition applied, CA-XRDT significantly shortens data acquisition time. However, the snapshot acquisition results in a significant drop in spatial resolution. Hence, we need an advanced XRDT method that significantly accelerates XRD-CT acquisition and still maintains an acceptable imaging accuracy for biological sample inspection. Approach. Inspired by the high spatial resolution of XRD-CT from rotational scan and the fast compressed-sensing acquisition in snapshot CA-XRDT (SnapshotCA-XRDT), we proposed a new XRDT imaging method: sparse-view rotational CA-XRDT (RotationCA-XRDT). It takes SnapshotCA-XRDT as a preliminary depth-resolved XRDT method, and combines rotational scan to significantly improve the spatial resolution. A model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) method is adopted for RotationCA-XRDT. Moreover, we suggest a refined system model calculation for the RotationCA-XRDT MBIR which is a key factor to improve reconstruction image quality. Main results. We conducted our experimental validation based on Monte-Carlo simulation for a breast sample. The results show that the proposed RotationCA-XRDT method succeeded in producing good images for detecting 2 mm square carcinoma with a 15-view scan. The spatial resolution is significantly improved from current SnapshotCA-XRDT methods. With our refined system model, MBIR can obtain high quality images with little artifacts. Significance. In this work, we proposed a new high spatial resolution XRDT method combining coded-aperture compressed-sensing acquisition and sparse-view scan. The proposed RotationCA-XRDT method obtained significantly better image resolution than current SnapshotCA-XRDT methods in the field. It is of great potential for biological sample XRDT inspection. The proposed RotationCA-XRDT is the fastest millimetre-resolution XRDT method in the field which reduces the scan time from hours to minutes.
Note on particle balance in particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo model and its implications on the steady-state simulation
Authors: Chen Lei , Wu Hao , Chen Zili , Wang Yu , Yi Lin , Jiang Wei , Zhang Ya
Published: February 2023

The steady-state criterion for plasma numerical simulations can be determined by the particle balance relation. In this study, we utilized a one-dimensional (1D) particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo model to investigate particle transport in a capacitively coupled plasma discharge, including particle density change, flow, generation, and loss. Our analysis revealed that the generation rate and loss rate are equivalent in both time and space, indicating a fine balance in the steady state of the discharge system. Additionally, we presented the spatio-temporal distribution and time-averaged particle transport term for electrons and ions to demonstrate how particles attain equilibrium at varying pressures. This validation method can be particularly useful in numerical simulations where determining steady state can be challenging. Our findings establish the correctness and reliability of the method.
Principal reconstructed modes of dark energy and gravity
Authors: Raveri Marco , Pogosian Levon , Martinelli Matteo , Koyama Kazuya , Silvestri Alessandra , Zhao Gong-Bo
Published: February 2023

Recently, in [1], we presented the first combined non-parametric reconstruction of the three time-dependent functions that capture departures from the standard cosmological model, ΛCDM, in the expansion history and gravitational effects on matter and light from the currently available combination of the background and large scale structure data. The reconstruction was performed with and without a theory-informed prior, built on the general Horndeski class of scalar-tensor theories, that correlates the three functions.
In this work, we perform a decomposition of the prior and posterior covariances of the three functions to determine the structure of the modes that are constrained by the data relative to the Horndeski prior.
We find that the combination of all data can constrain 15 combined eigenmodes of the three functions with respect to the prior.
We examine and interpret their features in view of the well-known tensions between datasets within the ΛCDM model. We also assess the bias introduced by the simplistic parameterizations commonly used in the literature for constraining deviations from GR on cosmological scales.
Ultrasonic resonance-based inspection of ultra-thin nickel sheets bonded to silicone
Authors: Hou Huaishu , Li Jinhao , Xia Shuaijun , Meng Yujie , Shen Jicai
Published: February 2023

In the field of non-destructive testing (NDT), The detection of bonding defects between ultra-thin metal and silica gel is a difficult problem. In this study, In this study, ultrasonic resonance method was used to evaluate the bonding strength of ultra-thin metal to silica gel bonding structure. The composite parts of ultra-thin nickel sheet and silicon sheet with three different bonding states were studied. The bonding state of nickel sheet and silica gel is different, and the absorption of ultrasound is different. Using the resonance generated by high-frequency ultrasound in ultra-thin nickel sheet, the acoustic attenuation of the combination of ultra-thin nickel sheet and silicon rubber sheet was analyzed by resonance signal, and the bonding state between ultra-thin nickel sheet and silicon rubber sheet was characterized by bonding coefficient. Through experimental comparison, the results showed that the attenuation of ultrasonic signal in the nickel sheet and silicon film with different adhesive states characterize the adhesive state of ultra-thin nickel sheet and silicon film by the bonding coefficient, the bonding coefficient of good parts, weak adhesive parts and debonded parts is reduced successively. By setting an appropriate determination threshold value, the bonding state between the ultra-thin nickel sheet and the silicon film can be accurately determined according to the bonding coefficient obtained by detection.
Climate change increased extreme monsoon rainfall, flooding highly vulnerable communities in Pakistan
Authors: Otto Friederike E L , Zachariah Mariam , Saeed Fahad , Siddiqi Ayesha , Kamil Shahzad , Mushtaq Haris , Arulalan T , AchutaRao Krishna , Chaithra S T , Barnes Clair , Philip Sjoukje , Kew Sarah , Vautard Robert , Koren Gerbrand , Pinto Izidine , Wolski Piotr , Vahlberg Maja , Singh Roop , Arrighi Julie , van Aalst Maarten , Thalheimer Lisa , Raju Emmanuel , Li Sihan , Yang Wenchang , Harrington Luke J , Clarke Ben
Published: February 2023

As a direct consequence of extreme monsoon rainfall throughout the summer 2022 season Pakistan experienced the worst flooding in its history. We employ a probabilistic event attribution methodology as well as a detailed assessment of the dynamics to understand the role of climate change in this event. Many of the available state-of-the-art climate models struggle to simulate these rainfall characteristics. Those that pass our evaluation test generally show a much smaller change in likelihood and intensity of extreme rainfall than the trend we found in the observations. This discrepancy suggests that long-term variability, or processes that our evaluation may not capture, can play an important role, rendering it infeasible to quantify the overall role of human-induced climate change. However, the majority of models and observations we have analysed show that intense rainfall has become heavier as Pakistan has warmed. Some of these models suggest climate change could have increased the rainfall intensity up to 50%. The devastating impacts were also driven by the proximity of human settlements, infrastructure (homes, buildings, bridges), and agricultural land to flood plains, inadequate infrastructure, limited ex-ante risk reduction capacity, an outdated river management system, underlying vulnerabilities driven by high poverty rates and socioeconomic factors (e.g. gender, age, income, and education), and ongoing political and economic instability. Both current conditions and the potential further increase in extreme peaks in rainfall over Pakistan in light of anthropogenic climate change, highlight the urgent need to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather in Pakistan.
Building resilience and reversing frailty: a randomised controlled trial of a primary care intervention for older adults
Authors: Travers John , Romero-Ortuno Roman , Langan John , MacNamara Fergal , McCormack Darren , McDermott Christopher , McEntire Jude , McKiernan Joanne , Lacey Seán , Doran Peter , Power Dermot , Cooney Marie-Therese
Published: February 2023

Background

There is a need for effective primary care interventions that help older people combat frailty and build resilience.

Objective

To study the effectiveness of an optimised exercise and dietary protein intervention.

Design

Multicentre, randomised-controlled, parallel-arm trial.

Setting

Six primary care practices, Ireland.

Methods

Six general practitioners enrolled adults aged 65+ with Clinical Frailty Scale score ≤5 from December 2020 to May 2021. Participants were randomised to intervention or usual care with allocation concealed until enrolment. Intervention comprised a 3-month home-based exercise regime, emphasising strength, and dietary protein guidance (1.2 g/kg/day). Effectiveness was measured by comparing frailty levels, based on the SHARE-Frailty Instrument, on an intention-to-treat basis. Secondary outcomes included bone mass, muscle mass and biological age measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Ease of intervention and perceived health benefit were measured on Likert scales.

Results

Of the 359 adults screened, 197 were eligible and 168 enrolled; 156 (92.9%) attended follow-up (mean age 77.1; 67.3% women; 79 intervention, 77 control). At baseline, 17.7% of intervention and 16.9% of control participants were frail by SHARE-FI. At follow-up, 6.3 and 18.2% were frail, respectively. The odds ratio of being frail between intervention and control groups post-intervention was 0.23 (95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.72; P = 0.011), adjusting for age, gender and site. Absolute risk reduction was 11.9% (CI: 0.8%–22.9%). Number needed to treat was 8.4. Grip strength (P < 0.001) and bone mass (P = 0.040) improved significantly. 66.2% found the intervention easy, 69.0% reported feeling better.

Conclusion

A combination of exercises and dietary protein significantly reduced frailty and improved self-reported health.
The Utility of Lymphatic Massage in Cosmetic Procedures
Authors: Marxen Troy , Shauly Orr , Goel Pedram , Tsan Tina , Faria Rebecca , Gould Daniel J
Published: February 2023

Lymphedema is a severe debilitating disease characterized by the accumulation of excessive protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space. Given the severe morbidity associated with this disease process, various surgical and nonsurgical treatment modalities have been developed to attempt to reduce the incidence and symptoms associated with lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a component of complete decongestive therapy on-surgical treatment which has demonstrated benefit in reducing the development of lymphedema following surgery. Here we provide a review of literature on MLD and its potential mechanism of action. This paper aims to educate patients, physicians, and surgeons about MLD regarding its efficacy and utility in the treatment paradigm for lymphedema and to translate concepts from the treatment of lymphedema to cosmetic procedures.

Level of Evidence: 5
Asia-Pacific multicentre randomized trial of laparoscopicversusopen major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (AP-LAPO trial)
Authors: Ng Kelvin K C , Chong Charing C N , Lee Kit-Fai , Lai Paul B S , Cheng Thomas K C , Chen Hua-Wei , Yi Bin , Huang Ji-Wei
Published: February 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common malignancy in the world. Major hepatectomy (resection of greater than or equal to three liver segments) is needed if a tumour is large or close to major blood vessels. Despite low mortality, open major hepatectomy is associated with high rates of tumour recurrence that limits survival. Laparoscopic major hepatectomy has been proposed as an alternative approach with potential oncological benefits. This study compares laparoscopic major hepatectomy with open major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in a randomized trial.

Methods

The Asia-Pacific multicentre randomized trial of laparoscopic versus open major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (AP-LAPO trial) is an open-labelled multicentre randomized trial to be conducted in five centres in the Asia-Pacific region. The study will test the hypothesis that laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with less tumour recurrence and better survival compared with open major hepatectomy; the primary outcome being 2-year recurrence-free survival. Secondary outcomes include hospital mortality, postoperative complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, time to functional recovery, quality of life, long-term survival, and postoperative serum surgical stress-related cytokines.

Results and conclusion

The AP-LAPO trial will determine whether laparoscopic major hepatectomy offers oncological benefits to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma compared with open major hepatectomy.

Registration number

NCT04852211 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) registered on 21 April 2021

Protocol version

AP-LAPO trial version 01 (1 December 2021)
Assessing resource use: a case study with the Human Disease Ontology
Authors: Baron J. Allen , Schriml Lynn M
Published: February 2023

As a genomic resource provider, grappling with getting a handle on how your resource is utilized can be extremely challenging. At the same time, being able to thus document the plethora of use cases is vital to demonstrate sustainability. Herein, we describe a flexible workflow, built on readily available software, that the Human Disease Ontology (DO) project has utilized to transition to semi-automated methods to identify uses of the ontology in the published literature. The novel R package DO.utils (https://github.com/DiseaseOntology/DO.utils) has been devised with a small set of key functions to support our usage workflow in combination with Google Sheets. Use of this workflow has resulted in a 3-fold increase in the number of identified publications that use the DO and has provided novel usage insights that offer new research directions and reveal a clearer picture of the DO’s use and scientific impact. The DO’s resource use assessment workflow and the supporting software are designed to be useful to other resources, including databases, software tools, method providers and other web resources, to achieve similar results.

Database URL: https://github.com/DiseaseOntology/DO.utils
Analytical computation of total topographic torque at the core–mantle boundary and its impact on tidally driven length-of-day variations
Authors: Puica M , Dehant V , Folgueira M , Van Hoolst T , Rekier J
Published: February 2023

The Earth’s rotation exhibits periodic variations as a result of gravitational torques exerted by the Sun and the Moon and of angular momentum exchange of the solid Earth with the Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere. Here, we aim at determining the complementary effect of the deep interior on variations in the length-of-day (LOD) and focus on the influence of topography at the core–mantle boundary (CMB). For this purpose, we have developed an analytical approach for solving the Navier–Stokes equation for global rotational motions and inertial waves, based on and extending the approach of Wu & Wahr (1997). An advantage of the analytical approach is that it allows to identify the frequencies and topographic spherical harmonics degrees and orders where resonance can happen, as well as to quantify the total amplifications in the tidal effects on LOD variations. Although the resonances are found to be sometimes quite near tidal frequencies, we show that they are not sufficiently close to induce significant perturbations in LOD variations, except for two of the tides, the fortnightly and monthly tides Mf and Mm. Our results go beyond the findings of Wu & Wahr (1997), extending them to a much wider range of degrees and orders of topographic coefficients. We show that there is an amplification in Mf and Mm induced by the degree 18-order 10 and by the degree 7-order 1 of the topography, respectively. Our approach is generic in the sense that it can be applied to other orientation changes of the Earth as well as to other planets.
SN 2021zny: an early flux excess combined with late-time oxygen emission suggests a double white dwarf merger event
Authors: Dimitriadis Georgios , Maguire Kate , Karambelkar Viraj R , Lebron Ryan J , Liu (刘 畅) Chang , Kozyreva Alexandra , Miller Adam A , Ridden-Harper Ryan , Anderson Joseph P , Chen Ting-Wan , Coughlin Michael , Valle Massimo Della , Drake Andrew , Galbany Lluís , Gromadzki Mariusz , Groom Steven L , Gutiérrez Claudia P , Ihanec Nada , Inserra Cosimo , Johansson Joel , Müller-Bravo Tomás E , Nicholl Matt , Polin Abigail , Rusholme Ben , Schulze Steve , Sollerman Jesper , Srivastav Shubham , Taggart Kirsty , Wang Qinan , Yang (杨 轶) Yi , Young David R
Published: February 2023

We present a photometric and spectroscopic analysis of the ultraluminous and slowly evolving 03fg-like Type Ia SN 2021zny. Our observational campaign starts from ∼5.3 h after explosion (making SN 2021zny one of the earliest observed members of its class), with dense multiwavelength coverage from a variety of ground- and space-based telescopes, and is concluded with a nebular spectrum ∼10 months after peak brightness. SN 2021zny displayed several characteristics of its class, such as the peak brightness (MB = −19.95 mag), the slow decline (Δm15(B) = 0.62 mag), the blue early-time colours, the low ejecta velocities, and the presence of significant unburned material above the photosphere. However, a flux excess for the first ∼1.5 d after explosion is observed in four photometric bands, making SN 2021zny the third 03fg-like event with this distinct behaviour, while its +313 d spectrum shows prominent [O i] lines, a very unusual characteristic of thermonuclear SNe. The early flux excess can be explained as the outcome of the interaction of the ejecta with $\sim 0.04\, \mathrm{M_{\odot }}$ of H/He-poor circumstellar material at a distance of ∼1012 cm, while the low ionization state of the late-time spectrum reveals low abundances of stable iron-peak elements. All our observations are in accordance with a progenitor system of two carbon/oxygen white dwarfs that undergo a merger event, with the disrupted white dwarf ejecting carbon-rich circumstellar material prior to the primary white dwarf detonation.
The effect of micro-particle curcumin on chronic kidney disease progression: the MPAC-CKD randomized clinical trial
Authors: Weir Matthew A , Walsh Michael , Cuerden Meaghan S , Sontrop Jessica M , Urquhart Bradley L , Lim Yong Jin , Chambers Laura C , Garg Amit X
Published: February 2023

Background

Curcumin is a commonly used herbal supplement with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. Animal studies and small human trials suggest that curcumin reduces albuminuria in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Micro-particle curcumin is a new, more bioavailable formulation of curcumin.

Methods

To determine whether micro-particle curcumin versus placebo slows the progression of albuminuric CKD we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. We included adults with albuminuria [a random urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio >30 mg/mmol (265 mg/g) or a 24-h urine collection with more than 300 mg of protein] and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 within the 3 months before randomization. We randomly allocated participants 1:1 to receive micro-particle curcumin capsules (90 mg/day) or matching placebo for 6 months. After randomization, the co-primary outcomes were the changes in albuminuria and the eGFR.

Results

We enrolled 533 participants, but 4/265 participants in the curcumin group and 15/268 in the placebo group withdrew consent or became ineligible. The 6-month change in albuminuria did not differ significantly between the curcumin and placebo groups [geometric mean ratio 0.94, 97.5% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.08, P = .32]. Similarly, the 6-month change in eGFR did not differ between groups (mean between-group difference –0.22 mL/min/1.73 m2, 97.5% CI –1.38 to 0.95, P = .68).

Conclusions

Ninety milligrams of micro-particle curcumin daily did not slow the progression of albuminuric CKD over 6 months.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02369549.
Quantifying climate conditions for the formation of coals and evaporites
Authors: Bao Xiujuan , Hu Yongyun , Scotese Christopher R , Li Xiang , Guo Jiaqi , Lan Jiawenjing , Lin Qifan , Yuan Shuai , Wei Mengyu , Li Zhibo , Man Kai , Yin Zihan , Han Jing , Zhang Jian , Wei Qiang , Liu Yonggang , Yang Jun , Nie Ji
Published: February 2023

Coals and evaporites are commonly used as qualitative indicators of wet and dry environments in deep-time climate studies, respectively. Here, we combine geological records with climate simulations to establish quantitative relationships of coals and evaporites with temperature and precipitation over the Phanerozoic. We show that coal records were associated with a median temperature of 25°C and precipitation of 1300 mm yr−1 before 250 Ma. Afterwards, coal records appeared with temperatures between 0°C and 21°C and precipitation of 900 mm yr−1. Evaporite records were associated with a median temperature of 27°C and precipitation of 800 mm yr−1. The most remarkable result is that net precipitation associated with coal and evaporite records remained constant across time. The results here have important implications for quantifying climate conditions for other lithologic indicators of climate and for predicting exogenetic ore deposits.
Pulvinar slits: Cellulose-deficient and de-methyl-esterified pectin-rich structures in a legume motor cell
Authors: Takahara Masahiro , Tsugawa Satoru , Sakamoto Shingo , Demura Taku , Nakata Miyuki T
Published: February 2023

The cortical motor cells (CMCs) in a legume pulvinus execute the reversible deformation in leaf movement that is driven by changes in turgor pressure. In contrast to the underlying osmotic regulation property, the cell wall structure of CMCs that contributes to the movement has yet to be characterized in detail. Here, we report that the cell wall of CMCs has circumferential slits with low levels of cellulose deposition, which are widely conserved among legume species. This structure is unique and distinct from that of any other primary cell walls reported so far; thus, we named them “pulvinar slits.” Notably, we predominantly detected de-methyl-esterified homogalacturonan inside pulvinar slits, with a low deposition of highly methyl-esterified homogalacturonan, as with cellulose. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that the cell wall composition of pulvini is different from that of other axial organs, such as petioles or stems. Moreover, monosaccharide analysis showed that pulvini are pectin-rich organs like developing stems and that the amount of galacturonic acid in pulvini is greater than in developing stems. Computer modeling suggested that pulvinar slits facilitate anisotropic extension in the direction perpendicular to the slits in the presence of turgor pressure. When tissue slices of CMCs were transferred to different extracellular osmotic conditions, pulvinar slits altered their opening width, indicating their deformability. In this study, we thus characterized a distinctive cell wall structure of CMCs, adding to our knowledge of repetitive and reversible organ deformation as well as the structural diversity and function of the plant cell wall.
Altered expression of SELF-PRUNING disrupts homeostasis and facilitates signal delivery to meristems
Authors: McGarry Róisín C , Kaur Harmanpreet , Lin Yen-Tung , Puc Guadalupe Lopez , Eshed Williams Leor , van der Knaap Esther , Ayre Brian G
Published: February 2023

Meristem maintenance, achieved through the highly conserved CLAVATA-WUSCHEL (CLV-WUS) regulatory circuit, is fundamental in balancing stem cell proliferation with cellular differentiation. Disruptions to meristem homeostasis can alter meristem size, leading to enlarged organs. Cotton (Gossypium spp.), the world's most important fiber crop, shows inherent variation in fruit size, presenting opportunities to explore the networks regulating meristem homeostasis and to impact fruit size and crop value. We identified and characterized the cotton orthologs of genes functioning in the CLV-WUS circuit. Using virus-based gene manipulation in cotton, we altered the expression of each gene to perturb meristem regulation and increase fruit size. Targeted alteration of individual components of the CLV-WUS circuit modestly fasciated flowers and fruits. Unexpectedly, controlled expression of meristem regulator SELF-PRUNING (SP) increased the impacts of altered CLV-WUS expression on flower and fruit fasciation. Meristem transcriptomics showed SP and genes of the CLV-WUS circuit are expressed independently from each other, suggesting these gene products are not acting in the same path. Virus-induced silencing of GhSP facilitated the delivery of other signals to the meristem to alter organ specification. SP has a role in cotton meristem homeostasis, and changes in GhSP expression increased access of virus-derived signals to the meristem.