bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Attempt to Take Into Account Natural Variability in 1D Bedload Prediction
Authors: Recking A. , Johannot A. , Horita K. , Nasr M. , Vázquez‐Tarrío D. , Zanker S. , Fontaine F. , Melun G.
Published: July 2024

Bedload transport can fluctuate considerably over relatively short periods of time and for a given quasi‐constant flow rate. What are the implications of replacing the fluctuating signal with a smoothed signal when calculating bedload transport using averaged values, as is common practice? This question was investigated with the BedloadR code, which allows 1D bedload calculation as well as Monte Carlo simulations using a new data set collected in the Severaisse River (French Ecrins massif). Four bedload equations (Camenen & Larson, 2005, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2004.10.019; Meyer‐Peter & Mueller, 1948; Parker, 1990, https://doi.org/10.1080/00221689009499058; Recking, 2013a, https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)hy.1943‐7900.0000653) were selected for their performance relative to the measured bedload (except for and Meyer‐Peter and Mueller) and because each equation has a different mathematical form and degree of nonlinearity. They were used in a Monte Carlo approach, with input probability distributions fitted to the measured river width, slope, bed grain‐size distribution, and to the associated (computed) Shields stress. The results show that accounting for natural variability in the calculation reproduces bedload fluctuations well. But overall, when calculating the bedload volume transported by a flow event, accounting for variability systematically leads to higher estimated volumes (of the order of 20%) than those obtained with a deterministic approach using average input parameters. This is a direct consequence of the nonlinearity of the equations.
Investigation of the Contribution of Five Broadcast Ionospheric Models (GPSK, NTCMG, NEQG, BDGIM, and BDSK) and IRTG to GNSS Positioning During Different Solar Activities in Solar Cycle 25
Authors: Li Min , Yuan Yunbin , Zhang Ting , Xu Hanying , Huo Xingliang , Zhang Wenyao
Published: July 2024

Additional ionospheric information is essential for mitigating errors in single‐frequency (SF) Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) positioning. The increasing number of low‐cost dual‐frequency (DF) receiver users faces limitations in tracking DF observables compared to traditional geodetic receivers. Consequently, ionospheric correction algorithms (ICAs) are also essential for low‐cost DF devices in hybrid‐frequency positioning. To evaluate the performance of commonly used ICAs during solar cycle 25, our study presents a global statistical investigation of the contribution of five broadcast ionospheric models (BIMs) and the International GNSS Service (IGS) combined real‐time global ionospheric maps (IRTG) to the positioning domain, covering both quiet and perturbed ionospheric conditions. The BIMs investigated include the GPS Klobuchar (GPSK), Galileo NequickG (NEQG), NTCM‐GlAzpar (NTCMG), BDS‐2 Klobuchar (BDSK), and BeiDou Global Ionospheric delay correction Model (BDGIM). Experimental results from standard point positioning indicate that IRTG demonstrates superior overall accuracy compared to all BIMs, with a mean 3D root mean squared (RMS) of 2.76 m during perturbed period. Specifically, GPSK, NTCMG, NEQG, BDGIM, and BDSK exhibit RMS values of 2.03, 1.67, 1.72, 1.62, and 2.36 m during quiet conditions, and 4.02, 3.17, 2.86, 3.14, and 4.44 m during perturbed conditions, respectively. Among the BIMs, NEQG demonstrates superior performance at middle and high latitudes but exhibits lower accuracy than NTCMG and BDGIM at low latitudes during daytime under quiet conditions. BDGIM performs slightly better than NTCMG at low latitudes but slightly worse at high latitudes. BDSK shows notable improvement for high‐ and mid‐latitude regions since 3 June 2020.
Paleomagnetism of the Peloritan Terrane (NE Sicily): From Greater Iberia to the Neo Apennine‐Maghrebide Arc
Authors: Siravo Gaia , Speranza Fabio
Published: July 2024

Calabria and the Peloritan Mts. of NE Sicily are exotic terranes predominantly formed by Hercynian rocks interrupting the Meso‐Cenozoic sediments exposed along Apennine‐Maghrebide chains. Dual‐polarity pre‐tilting magnetization direction retrieved from 5 Jurassic, 5 upper Cretaceous‐Eocene, and 4 upper Oligocene sedimentary sites from external‐intermediate Peloritan nappes yield 99° ± 12°, 131° ± 15°, and 138° ± 12° (respectively) clockwise (CW) rotations with respect to Europe. Upper Cretaceous‐Oligocene values are similar to the ∼130° CW late Miocene‐Early Pleistocene rotation previously documented on internal Maghrebian nappes of W Sicily. Jurassic data imply a ∼30° Early Cretaceous counterclockwise (CCW) rotation, similar for sign, magnitude, and timing to Iberia rotation, proving that the Peloritan crust was part of Greater Iberia before its <30 Ma fragmentation and dispersal. Furthermore, 20 Jurassic‐Oligocene sites yield post‐tilting overprint direction (later rotated up to 60° CW) that was acquired synchronous to late Miocene‐Pleistocene rotation. The Peloritan rotation is completely different from the 160° post‐late Jurassic CCW rotation documented on NE Calabria, and demonstrates that the two terranes underwent independent drift histories. Lack of a Sardinian rotation fingerprint (90° CCW between 30 and 15 Ma) suggests that the Peloritan terrane lied S of the Calabria‐Sardinia CCW rotating system, at the non‐rotational apex of an Oligocene‐early Miocene “Paleo Apennine‐Maghrebide Arc.” The Peloritan terrane was stacked onto the African margin and incorporated in the Maghrebian chain in mid Burdigalian (18–17 Ma). Afterward, it formed the S limb of the “Neo Apennine‐Maghrebide Arc,” and was passively carried on top of CW rotating Maghrebide nappes during late Miocene‐Early Pleistocene (12–1 Ma).
A Numerical Study of Tropical Cyclone and Ocean Responses to Air‐Sea Momentum Flux at High Winds
Authors: Zhao Biao , Wu Lichuan , Wang Guansuo , Zhang Jun A. , Liu Li , Zhao Chang , Zhuang Zhanpeng , Xia Changshui , Xue Yuhuan , Li Xinfang , Qiao Fangli
Published: July 2024

The relationship between minimum sea level pressure (MSLP) and maximum wind speed, is a commonly employed metric for assessing tropical cyclone (TC) forecast skill. However, accurately reproducing this relationship in TC forecasts is challenging. By introducing a new air‐sea momentum flux scheme considering both wave state and saturation (decrease) effect at high winds into a fully coupled atmosphere‐ocean‐wave model, our numerical results reveal that the maximum wind speed and MSLP respond oppositely to the air‐sea momentum flux change. The simulated wind‐pressure relationship aligns well with observations when the new flux scheme is used. This study highlights the large sensitivity of wind‐pressure relationship to the air‐sea momentum flux parameterization at high winds. Furthermore, the air‐sea momentum flux has a significant effect on ocean wave characteristics and sea surface temperature (SST) cooling in TC simulations.
Identifying early symptoms associated with a diagnosis of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers: a population-based nested case-control study
Authors: Saatci D. , Oke J. , Harnden A. , Hippisley-Cox J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Childhood, teenage and young adult (CTYA, 0–24 years) cancers are rare and diverse, making timely diagnosis challenging. We aim to explore symptoms and symptom combinations associated with a subsequent cancer diagnosis and to establish their timeframe.

Methods

Using the QResearch Database, we carried out a matched nested case-control study. Associations between pre-specified symptoms encountered in primary care and a subsequent diagnosis of any cancer were explored using conditional logistic regression. Median diagnostic intervals were used to split symptoms into “late” and “early” timeframes to identify relevant early symptoms.

Results

3186 cases and 50,576 controls were identified from a cohort of 3,424,771 CTYA. We identified 12 novel associations, of which hemiparesis [OR 90.9 (95%CI 24.7-335.1), PPV = 1.6%], testicular swelling [OR 186.7 (95%CI 86.1-404.8), PPV = 2.4%] and organomegaly [OR 221.6 (95%CI 28.3-1735.9), PPV = 5.4%] had significant positive predictive values (PPV). Limb pain, a known marker of serious illness in children, was a recurrent early symptom across cancer subtypes. Similar clinical presentations were observed across childhood and TYA cancers.

Discussion

Using the largest cohort to date, we provide novel information on the time-varying predictive utility of symptoms in the diagnosis of CTYA cancers. Our findings will help to raise clinical and public awareness of symptoms, stratify those at higher-risk and ultimately aid earlier diagnosis.
The ubiquitin-like protein UBTD1 promotes colorectal cancer progression by stabilizing c-Myc to upregulate glycolysis
Authors: Zhao Liqin , Yu Nuoya , Zhai Yujia , Yang Yanan , Wang Yixuan , Yang Yue , Gong Zhe , Zhang Yanqiu , Zhang Xiaowei , Guo Weijian
Published: July 2024

Dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is involved in the pathogenesis of various malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). Ubiquitin domain containing 1 (UBTD1), a ubiquitin-like protein, regulates UPS-mediated protein degradation and tumor progression in some cancer types. However, the biological function and mechanism of UBTD1 are far from being well elucidated, and its role in CRC has not been explored yet. In our study, we analyzed CRC patients’ clinical information and UBTD1 expression data, and found that the expression of UBTD1 in cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissue. Higher UBTD1 expression was significantly associated with poorer survival and more lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of UBTD1 could facilitate, while knockdown could inhibit CRC cell proliferation and migration, respectively. RNA-seq and proteomics indicated that c-Myc is an important downstream target of UBTD1. Metabolomics showed the products of the glycolysis pathway were significantly increased in UBTD1 overexpression cells. In vitro, we verified UBTD1 upregulating c-Myc protein and promoting CRC cell proliferation and migration via regulating c-Myc. UBTD1 promoted CRC cells’ glycolysis, evidenced by the increased lactate production and glucose uptake following UBTD1 overexpression. Mechanistically, UBTD1 prolonged the half-life of the c-Myc protein by binding to E3 ligase β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP), thereby upregulated the expression of glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme hexokinase II (HK2), and enhanced glycolysis and promoted CRC progression. In conclusion, our study revealed that UBTD1 promotes CRC progression by upregulating glycolysis via the β-TrCP/c-Myc/HK2 pathway, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC.
Preclinical and clinical advances to overcome hypoxia in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Bou-Gharios Jolie , Noël Georges , Burckel Hélène
Published: July 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common adult primary brain tumor. The standard clinical treatment of GBM includes a maximal surgical resection followed by concomitant radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy sessions with Temozolomide (TMZ) in addition to adjuvant TMZ cycles. Despite the severity of this protocol, GBM is highly resistant and recurs in almost all cases while the protocol remains unchanged since 2005. Limited-diffusion or chronic hypoxia has been identified as one of the major key players driving this aggressive phenotype. The presence of hypoxia within the tumor bulk contributes to the activation of hypoxia signaling pathway mediated by the hypoxia-inducing factors (HIFs), which in turn activate biological mechanisms to ensure the adaptation and survival of GBM under limited oxygen and nutrient supply. Activated downstream pathways are involved in maintaining stem cell-like phenotype, inducing mesenchymal shift, invasion, and migration, altering the cellular and oxygen metabolism, and increasing angiogenesis, autophagy, and immunosuppression. Therefore, in this review will discuss the recent preclinical and clinical approaches that aim at targeting tumor hypoxia to enhance the response of GBM to conventional therapies along with their results and limitations upon clinical translation.
Engineering for a clear image: a comparative focus on accommodation
Authors: Williams David
Published: July 2024

The eye requires the ability to focus images near and far and throughout evolution numerous mechanisms have developed to allow this accommodation. From primitive organisms which use a small pupil to effect pinhole camera optics without a lens through more complex eyes with a lens that is moved antero-posteriorly along the visual axis or the shape of which is changed, the eye has engineered numerous accommodative mechanisms. Human inventors have developed cameras with remarkable accommodative abilities but none match the remarkable focussing abilities of the four-eyed fish Anableps or the cormorant which similarly manages to focus above and below water, to give just two examples from the animal kingdom, perfectly adapted to their environments and behaviours.
Demethylation C–C coupling reaction facilitated by the repulsive Coulomb force between two cations
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Huang Keke , Fu Yanlin , Zhang Ni , Kong Xianglei , Cheng Yuanyuan , Zheng Mingyu , Cheng Yihao , Zhu Tenggao , Fu Bina , Feng Shouhua , Chen Huanwen
Published: July 2024

Carbon chain elongation (CCE) is normally carried out using either chemical catalysts or bioenzymes. Herein we demonstrate a catalyst-free approach to promote demethylation C–C coupling reactions for advanced CCE constructed with functional groups under ambient conditions. Accelerated by the electric field, two organic cations containing a methyl group (e.g., ketones, acids, and aldehydes) approach each other with such proximity that the energy of the repulsive Coulomb interaction between these two cations exceeds the bond energy of the methyl group. This results in the elimination of a methyl cation and the coupling of the residual carbonyl carbon groups. As confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry and isotope-labeling experiments, the C–C coupling reactions (yields up to 76.5%) were commonly observed in the gas phase or liquid phase, for which the mechanism was further studied using molecular dynamics simulations and stationary-point calculations, revealing deep insights and perspectives of chemistry.
Potential of artificial intelligence in reducing energy and carbon emissions of commercial buildings at scale
Authors: Ding Chao , Ke Jing , Levine Mark , Zhou Nan
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a technology to enhance productivity and improve life quality. However, its role in building energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction has not been systematically studied. This study evaluated artificial intelligence’s potential in the building sector, focusing on medium office buildings in the United States. A methodology was developed to assess and quantify potential emissions reductions. Key areas identified were equipment, occupancy influence, control and operation, and design and construction. Six scenarios were used to estimate energy and emissions savings across representative climate zones. Here we show that artificial intelligence could reduce cost premiums, enhancing high energy efficiency and net zero building penetration. Adopting artificial intelligence could reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by approximately 8% to 19% in 2050. Combining with energy policy and low-carbon power generation could approximately reduce energy consumption by 40% and carbon emissions by 90% compared to business-as-usual scenarios in 2050.
Assembly of respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein lattice and its coordination with fusion glycoprotein trimers
Authors: Sibert Bryan S. , Kim Joseph Y. , Yang Jie E. , Ke Zunlong , Stobart Christopher C. , Moore Martin L. , Wright Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped, filamentous, negative-strand RNA virus that causes significant respiratory illness worldwide. RSV vaccines are available, however there is still significant need for research to support the development of vaccines and therapeutics against RSV and related Mononegavirales viruses. Individual virions vary in size, with an average diameter of ~130 nm and ranging from ~500 nm to over 10 µm in length. Though the general arrangement of structural proteins in virions is known, we use cryo-electron tomography and sub-tomogram averaging to determine the molecular organization of RSV structural proteins. We show that the peripheral membrane-associated RSV matrix (M) protein is arranged in a packed helical-like lattice of M-dimers. We report that RSV F glycoprotein is frequently observed as pairs of trimers oriented in an anti-parallel conformation to support potential interactions between trimers. Our sub-tomogram averages indicate the positioning of F-trimer pairs is correlated with the underlying M lattice. These results provide insight into RSV virion organization and may aid in the development of RSV vaccines and anti-viral targets.
Unraveling the molecular architecture of autoimmune thyroid diseases at spatial resolution
Authors: Martínez-Hernández Rebeca , Sánchez de la Blanca Nuria , Sacristán-Gómez Pablo , Serrano-Somavilla Ana , Muñoz De Nova José Luis , Sánchez Cabo Fátima , Heyn Holger , Sampedro-Núñez Miguel , Marazuela Mónica
Published: July 2024

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) such as Graves’ disease (GD) or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) are organ-specific diseases that involve complex interactions between distinct components of thyroid tissue. Here, we use spatial transcriptomics to explore the molecular architecture, heterogeneity and location of different cells present in the thyroid tissue, including thyroid follicular cells (TFCs), stromal cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and thyroid infiltrating lymphocytes. We identify damaged antigen-presenting TFCs with upregulated CD74 and MIF expression in thyroid samples from AITD patients. Furthermore, we discern two main fibroblast subpopulations in the connective tissue including ADIRF+ myofibroblasts, mainly enriched in GD, and inflammatory fibroblasts, enriched in HT patients. We also demonstrate an increase of fenestrated PLVAP+ vessels in AITD, especially in GD. Our data unveil stromal and thyroid epithelial cell subpopulations that could play a role in the pathogenesis of AITD.
Metagenomic insights into microbial community structure and metabolism in alpine permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Kang Luyao , Song Yutong , Mackelprang Rachel , Zhang Dianye , Qin Shuqi , Chen Leiyi , Wu Linwei , Peng Yunfeng , Yang Yuanhe
Published: July 2024

Permafrost, characterized by its frozen soil, serves as a unique habitat for diverse microorganisms. Understanding these microbial communities is crucial for predicting the response of permafrost ecosystems to climate change. However, large-scale evidence regarding stratigraphic variations in microbial profiles remains limited. Here, we analyze microbial community structure and functional potential based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomic data obtained from an ∼1000 km permafrost transect on the Tibetan Plateau. We find that microbial alpha diversity declines but beta diversity increases down the soil profile. Microbial assemblages are primarily governed by dispersal limitation and drift, with the importance of drift decreasing but that of dispersal limitation increasing with soil depth. Moreover, genes related to reduction reactions (e.g., ferric iron reduction, dissimilatory nitrate reduction, and denitrification) are enriched in the subsurface and permafrost layers. In addition, microbial groups involved in alternative electron accepting processes are more diverse and contribute highly to community-level metabolic profiles in the subsurface and permafrost layers, likely reflecting the lower redox potential and more complicated trophic strategies for microorganisms in deeper soils. Overall, these findings provide comprehensive insights into large-scale stratigraphic profiles of microbial community structure and functional potentials in permafrost regions.
Substantial differences in source contributions to carbon emissions and health damage necessitate balanced synergistic control plans in China
Authors: Chen Yilin , Shen Huizhong , Shen Guofeng , Ma Jianmin , Cheng Yafang , Russell Armistead G. , Zhao Shunliu , Hakami Amir , Tao Shu
Published: July 2024

China’s strategy to concurrently address climate change and air pollution mitigation is hindered by a lack of comprehensive information on source contributions to health damage and carbon emissions. Here we show notable discrepancies between source contributions to CO2 emissions and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)-related mortality by using adjoint emission sensitivity modeling to attribute premature mortality in 2017 to 53 sector and fuel/process combinations with high spatial resolution. Our findings reveal that monetized PM2.5 health damage exceeds climate impacts in over half of the analyzed subsectors. In addition to coal-fired energy generators and industrial boilers, the combined health and climate costs from energy-intensive processes, diesel-powered vehicles, domestic coal combustion, and agricultural activities exceed 100 billion US dollars, with health-related costs predominating. This research highlights the critical need to integrate the social costs of health damage with climate impacts to develop more balanced mitigation strategies toward these dual goals, particularly during fuel transition and industrial structure upgrading.
Design of polar boundaries enhancing negative electrocaloric performance by antiferroelectric phase-field simulations
Authors: Xu Ke , Shi Xiaoming , Shao Cancan , Dong Shouzhe , Huang Houbing
Published: July 2024

Electrocaloric refrigeration which is environmentally benign has attracted considerable attention. In distinction to ferroelectric materials, which exhibit an extremely high positive electrocaloric effect near the Curie temperature, antiferroelectric materials represented by PbZrO3 have a specific negative electrocaloric effect, i.e., electric field decreases the temperature of the materials. However, the explanation of the microscopic mechanism of the negative electrocaloric effect is still unclear, and further research is still needed to provide a theoretical basis for the negative electrocaloric effect enhancement. Herein, the antiferroelectric phase-field model has been proposed to design polar boundaries enhancing antiferroelectric negative electrocaloric performance in PbZrO3-based materials. Based on this, we have simulated the polarization response and domain switching process of the temperature and electric field-induced antiferroelectric—ferroelectric phase transition. It is shown that the temperature range tends to increase as the density of polar boundaries increases from the antiferroelectric stripe domain, polymorphic domain to the nanodomain. Among them, the peak adiabatic temperature change of antiferroelectric nanodomains can reach −13.05 K at 84 kV/cm, and a wide temperature range of about 75 K can be realized at 42 kV/cm. We expect these discoveries to spur further interest in the potential applications of antiferroelectric materials for next-generation refrigeration devices.
Modeling habitat suitability of Dorema ammoniacum D Don. in the rangelands of central Iran
Authors: Zare Mostafa , Moameri Mehdi , Ghorbani Ardavan , Sahragard Hossein Piri , Mostafazadeh Raoof , Dadjou Farid , Biswas Asim
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of habitat suitability models, identifying the potential distribution range of Dorema ammoniacum, and its habitat requirements in the rangelands of Yazd province, central Iran. Bafgh, Mehriz and Nadoushan, were three habitats that were identified, and sampling was conducted in each habitat using a random-systematic method. A set of 10 plots were established (at equal distances) along 350 m long 18 transects. Soil samples (two depths: 0–30 and 30–60 cm from 36 profiles) were collected and measured in the laboratory. Elevation, slope, and aspect maps were derived, and climate information was collected from nearby meteorological stations. The habitat prediction of the species was modeled using Logistic Regression (LR), Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The Kappa coefficient and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to assess the accuracy of the forecasted maps. The LR model for habitat prediction of the studied species in Mehriz (K = 0.67) and Nadoushan (K = 0.56) habitats were identified as good. The MaxEnt model predicted the habitat distribution for the selected species in Bafgh and Mehriz habitats as excellent (K = 0.89, AUC = 0.76, K = 0.89, AUC = 0.98), and in the Nadoushan habitat as very good (K = 0.78, AUC = 0.85). However, the ANN model predicted Bafgh and Nadoushan habitats as excellent and Mehriz habitat as very good (K = 0.87, K = 0.90, and K = 0.63, respectively). In general, in order to protect species D. ammoniacum, the development of its habitats in other areas of Yazd province and the habitats under study in conservation programs should be given priority.
The contribution of commonly consumed edible insects to nutrition security in the Eastern D.R. Congo
Authors: Ishara Jackson , Matendo Rehema , Ng’ang’a Jeremiah , Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Niassy Saliou , Katcho Karume , Kinyuru John
Published: July 2024

Edible insects are perceived as an incredible opportunity to mitigate the major challenge of sustainably producing healthy foods for a growing world population in the face of climate change uncertainties over the coming decade. In this study, we assessed the nutrient composition and sensory properties of Acheta domesticus, Apis mellifera, Gnathocera trivittata, Gryllotalpa africana, Imbrasia epimethea, Imbrasia oyemensis, Locusta migratoria, Macrotermes subhylanus, Nomadacris septemfasciata, Rhyncophorus phoenicis, Ruspolia differens and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus consumed in Eastern D. R. Congo. The investigated edible insects are highly appreciated and nutritious, with proteins (20.67–43.93 g/100 g) and fats (14.53–36.02 g/100 g) being the major macro-nutrients, proving their potential to improve diets through food enrichment. The high potassium (24–386.67 mg/100 g), sodium (152–257.82 mg/100 g), magnesium (32–64 mg/100 g), iron (5.3–16.13 mg/100 g), calcium (25–156.67 mg/100 g) and zinc (11–19.67 mg/100 g) content make the assessed edible insects a useful mineral-containing ingredient for preventing undernutrition in countries which are plagued by micronutrient deficiencies. A scatter plot of matrices and Pearson’s correlations between sensory attributes and nutritional composition showed a negative correlation (r = − 0.45) between protein and appearance. While no strong correlation was observed between nutritional attributes and sensory acceptance, a positive correlation was observed between potassium and aroma (r = 0.50), after-taste (r = 0.50) and acceptability (r = 0.52). Principal component analysis results indicated that the two axes accounted for up to 97.4% of the observed variability in the nutrient composition and sensory attributes of commonly consumed edible insects in the Eastern D. R. Congo. Given the significant delicacy and nutritional potential of edible insects highlighted in this paper, households can rely on the latter to meet their nutritional needs rather than conventional livestock, thus contributing to environmental and financial security through local business opportunities.
Effects of recycled waste on the modulus of elasticity of structural concrete
Authors: Gerges Najib N. , Issa Camille A. , Khalil Nariman J. , Aintrazi Sarah
Published: July 2024

Concrete, the construction industry’s most utilized construction material, has transformed the environment and the modern built-up lifestyle. Although concrete is a first-rate supplier to the carbon footprint, it is imperative for buildings to display sustainable characteristics. Scholars have explored techniques to lessen the carbon footprint and the way to put into effect strategic waste control plans in which waste is reused. This study explores the dual benefits wherein concrete ingredients are replaced through abandoned waste which reduces the unwanted waste materials that have a substantial carbon footprint and thus results in the recycling of waste as part of a sustainable economic system. In this study, timber ash is utilized as a partial substitute for sand and cement, crumb rubber and waste glass as a partial substitute for sand, recycled concrete, and waste glass as a substitute for gravel. Characteristics studies were done to check the influence of each waste replacement on the modulus of elasticity of concrete. More than sixty-five combinations of waste have been examined to attain the modulus of elasticity of concrete. A total of about 200 concrete cylinders were cast to provide at least three cylinders for each generated data point. Three different ASTM standards were utilized to determine the modulus of elasticity of each mix. Four mixes comprising of the combination of two waste materials and two mixes comprising of the combination of three waste materials replacing natural materials were determined to exhibit an equal or superior modulus of elasticity of the control mix of 25 GPa.
Uncertainty quantification for probabilistic machine learning in earth observation using conformal prediction
Authors: Singh Geethen , Moncrieff Glenn , Venter Zander , Cawse-Nicholson Kerry , Slingsby Jasper , Robinson Tamara B.
Published: July 2024

Machine learning is increasingly applied to Earth Observation (EO) data to obtain datasets that contribute towards international accords. However, these datasets contain inherent uncertainty that needs to be quantified reliably to avoid negative consequences. In response to the increased need to report uncertainty, we bring attention to the promise of conformal prediction within the domain of EO. Unlike previous uncertainty quantification methods, conformal prediction offers statistically valid prediction regions while concurrently supporting any machine learning model and data distribution. To support the need for conformal prediction, we reviewed EO datasets and found that only 22.5% of the datasets incorporated a degree of uncertainty information, with unreliable methods prevalent. Current open implementations require moving large amounts of EO data to the algorithms. We introduced Google Earth Engine native modules that bring conformal prediction to the data and compute, facilitating the integration of uncertainty quantification into existing traditional and deep learning modelling workflows. To demonstrate the versatility and scalability of these tools we apply them to valued EO applications spanning local to global extents, regression, and classification tasks. Subsequently, we discuss the opportunities arising from the use of conformal prediction in EO. We anticipate that accessible and easy-to-use tools, such as those provided here, will drive wider adoption of rigorous uncertainty quantification in EO, thereby enhancing the reliability of downstream uses such as operational monitoring and decision-making.
Role of elective neck dissection in cT2N0 maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Fang Qigen , Zhang Xu , Dai Liyuan , Luo Ruihua
Published: July 2024

Our objective was to examine the impact of elective neck dissection (END) on the prognosis of patients with cT2N0 maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MS-SCC) and to determine factors that predict the occurrence of occult metastasis in this patient population. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the SEER database. Patients with cT2N0 MS-SCC were included in the study and divided into two groups: those who received END and those who did not. The impact of END on disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed using propensity score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors for occult metastasis. A total of 180 patients were included in the study, with 40 cases receiving END. Following propensity score matching, patients treated with END and those without showed similar DSS and OS rates. Occult metastasis was observed in 9 patients, corresponding to a rate of 22.5%. High-grade tumors were independently associated with a higher risk of occult metastasis compared to low-grade tumors (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.00). cT2 MS-SCC carries an occult metastasis rate of 22.5%, with histologic grade being the primary determinant of occult metastasis. END does not confer a significant survival benefit in this patient population.
Effects of kaempherol-3-rhamnoside on metabolic enzymes and AMPK in the liver tissue of STZ-induced diabetes in mice
Authors: Aodah Alhussain H. , Alkholifi Faisal K. , Alharthy Khalid M. , Devi Sushma , Foudah Ahmed I. , Yusufoglu Hasan S. , Alam Aftab
Published: July 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It involves disturbances in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Novel therapeutic approaches are continuously being explored to enhance metabolic control and prevent complications associated with the disease. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of kaempherol-3-rhamnoside, a flavonoid, in managing diabetes by modulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and improving metabolic enzyme activities in streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic mice. Diabetic mice were treated with varying doses of kaempherol-3-rhamnoside and/or insulin over a 28-day period. Glycolytic and gluconeogenesis enzyme activities in the liver, fasting blood glucose levels, serum insulin levels, lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Treatment with kaempherol-3-rhamnoside significantly improved glycolytic enzyme activities, reduced fasting blood glucose, and enhanced insulin levels compared to diabetic controls. The compound also normalized lipid profiles and reduced oxidative stress in the liver, suggesting its potential in reversing diabetic dyslipidemia and oxidative damage. Furthermore, kaempherol-3-rhamnoside activated the AMPK pathway, indicating a mechanism through which it could exert its effects. Kaempherol-3-rhamnoside exhibits promising antidiabetic properties, potentially through AMPK pathway activation and metabolic enzyme modulation. These findings support its potential use as an adjunct therapy for diabetes management. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these results in human subjects.
Quantification of circadian rhythms in mammalian lung tissue snapshot data
Authors: Grabe Saskia , Ananthasubramaniam Bharath , Herzel Hanspeter
Published: July 2024

Healthy mammalian cells have a circadian clock, a gene regulatory network that allows them to schedule their physiological processes to optimal times of the day. When healthy cells turn into cancer cells, the circadian clock often becomes cancer specifically disturbed, so there is an interest in the extraction of circadian features from gene expression data of cancer. This is challenging, as clinical gene expression samples of cancer are snapshot-like and the circadian clock is best examined using gene expression time series. In this study, we obtained lists of intersecting circadian genes in public gene expression time series data of lung tissue of mouse and baboon. We base our circadian gene lists on correlations of gene expression levels of circadian genes, which are closely associated to the phase differences between them. Combining circadian gene expression patterns of diurnal and nocturnal species of different ages provides circadian genes that are also important in healthy and cancerous human lung tissue. We tested the quality of the representation of the circadian clock in our gene lists by PCA-based reconstructions of the circadian times of the mouse and baboon samples. Then we assigned potential circadian times to the human lung tissue samples and find an intact circadian clock in the healthy human lung tissue, but an altered, weak clock in the adjacent cancerous lung tissue.
The influence of recent bushfires on water quality and the operation of water purification systems in regional NSW
Authors: Jackson Reed , Krishna K. C. Bal , Li Miao , Sathasivan Arumugam , Senevirathna Lalantha
Published: July 2024

Over the past decade, escalating extreme weather events have significantly affected New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with unprecedented droughts and intense fires. Yet, the impact on water quality and purification processes remains insufficiently studied. This research focuses on the immediate changes in NSW's environmental water quality and issues in water purification unit operations following the 2019 bushfires. Water samples and maintenance records from affected catchments, intakes, purification units, and reservoirs were analysed. Compared to control samples, post-bushfire water exhibited high turbidity. Sediment and ash shock loads posed significant threats to aquatic ecosystems. Elevated turbidity, suspended sediments, pH, and alkalinity were major concerns for water purification. Raw water samples showed turbidity exceeding 195 NTU, with flocculation and sedimentation most impacted. Immediate measures included sediment traps, aeration, pre-chlorination, and inline monitoring. These findings inform strategies to mitigate bushfire impacts on water quality and optimise water purification in fire-prone regions.
Diffractionless transmission of optical beams through a four-level atomic system affected by a plasmonic nanostructure
Authors: Lotfi Parvin , Sahrai Mostafa , Siahpoush Vahid , Vafafard Azar
Published: July 2024

A nondiffracting propagation of an optical beam through a four-level double-V-type quantum system near a plasmonic nanostructure is investigated. We study the linear absorption and dispersion properties of the quantum system as it interacts with two laser fields. We discuss the effect of the control beam with a Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) profile on the focusing of the probe beam in the presence of a plasmonic nanostructure. An appropriately selected control beam excites one transition of the atomic system and generates a spatially varying refraction index modulation for a weak probe beam that couples to the other transition. We demonstrate that placing a plasmonic nanostructure at a nanometer distance from the atomic system and using a control field with the spatial structure leads to the diffraction-less propagation of the probe beam through the atomic system. Also, it is shown that the optical properties and probe beam focusing can be controlled by adjusting the distance of the plasmonic nanostructure from the atomic system. The proposed all-optical waveguide with high contrast and transmission can be used to implement applications such as image transfer through the medium and image processing.
First regional reference database of northern Adriatic diatom transcriptomes
Authors: Knjaz Mia , Baricevic Ana , Tankovic Mirta Smodlaka , Kuzat Natasa , Vlasicek Ivan , Grizancic Lana , Podolsak Ivan , Pfannkuchen Martin , Kogovsek Tjasa , Pfannkuchen Daniela Maric
Published: July 2024

Marine microbial communities form the basis for the functioning of marine ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. With the application of metagenomics and metatranscriptomics in marine environmental studies, significant progress has been made in analysing the functioning of microbial communities as a whole. These molecular techniques are highly dependent on reliable, well-characterised, comprehensive and taxonomically diverse sequenced reference transcriptomes of microbial organisms. Here we present a set of 12 individual transcriptome assemblies derived from 6 representative diatom species from the northern Adriatic Sea grown under 2 environmentally relevant growth conditions (phosphate replete vs. phosphate deprived). After filtering the reads and assembly, an average number of 64,932 transcripts per assembly was obtained, of which an average of 8856 were assigned to functionally known proteins. Of all assigned transcripts, an average of 6483 proteins were taxonomically assigned to diatoms (Bacillariophyta). On average, a higher number of assigned proteins was detected in the transcriptome assemblies of diatoms grown under replete media condition. On average, 50% of the mapped proteins were shared between the two growth conditions. All recorded proteins in the dataset were classified into 24 COG categories, with approximately 25% belonging to the unknown function and the remaining 75% belonging to all other categories. The resulting diatom reference database for the northern Adriatic, focussing on the response to nutrient limitation as characteristic for the region and predicted for the future world oceans, provides a valuable resource for analysing environmental metatranscriptome and metagenome data. Each northern Adriatic transcriptome can also be used by itself as a reference database for the (meta)transcriptomes and gene expression studies of the associated species that will be generated in the future.
Predicting wheat yield from 2001 to 2020 in Hebei Province at county and pixel levels based on synthesized time series images of Landsat and MODIS
Authors: Zhang Guanjin , Roslan Siti Nur Aliaa Binti , Shafri Helmi Zulhaidi Mohd , Zhao Yanxi , Wang Ci , Quan Ling
Published: July 2024

To obtain seasonable and precise crop yield information with fine resolution is very important for ensuring the food security. However, the quantity and quality of available images and the selection of prediction variables often limit the performance of yield prediction. In our study, the synthesized images of Landsat and MODIS were used to provide remote sensing (RS) variables, which can fill the missing values of Landsat images well and cover the study area completely. The deep learning (DL) was used to combine different vegetation index (VI) with climate data to build wheat yield prediction model in Hebei Province (HB). The results showed that kernel NDVI (kNDVI) and near-infrared reflectance (NIRv) slightly outperform normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in yield prediction. And the regression algorithm had a more prominent effect on yield prediction, while the yield prediction model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) outperformed the yield prediction model using Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM). The model combining LSTM algorithm and NIRv had the best prediction effect and relatively stable performance in single year. The optimal model was then used to generate 30 m resolution wheat yield maps in the past 20 years, with higher overall accuracy. In addition, we can define the optimum prediction time at April, which can consider simultaneously the performance and lead time. In general, we expect that this prediction model can provide important information to understand and ensure food security.
Cardiac adverse events associated with lacosamide: a disproportionality analysis of the FAERS database
Authors: Yang Chengcheng , Zhao Wanqi , Chen Huihui , Yao Yinhui , Zhang Jingmin
Published: July 2024

Lacosamide was the first approved third-generation antiepileptic drug. However, real-world data regarding its adverse cardiac reactions in large samples still need to be completed. We evaluated the cardiac safety profile of lacosamide using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We performed disproportionality analysis computing reporting odds ratio (ROR) as a quantitative metric to assess the signal of lacosamide-related cardiac adverse events (AEs) from 2013 Q1 to 2022 Q4. The signal was considered significant when the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the ROR exceeded 1, and ≥ 5 AEs were reported. Serious and nonserious cases were compared by statistical analysis, and signals were further prioritized using a rating scale. A total of 812 cardiac AEs associated with lacosamide were identified, and 92 signals were detected, of which 17 AEs were significantly associated signals. The median time-to-onset (TTO) for moderate priority signals was 10 days, whereas for weak priority signals, it was 54 days. Notably, all cardiac AEs exhibited an early failing pattern, indicating the risk gradually decreasing. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the FAERS database and prioritization of cardiac AE signals, our research enhances the awareness among healthcare professionals regarding cardiac AEs associated with lacosamide.
Contrasting morphometric responses to increasing urbanisation in congeneric sparrow species
Authors: Naidoo Sage K. , Chamberlain Dan , Reynolds Chevonne
Published: July 2024

Increased urbanisation influences the morphometric traits of various species, often resulting in urban individuals being smaller than their non-urban counterparts. Urbanisation can affect fundamental eco-evolutionary patterns and impact species’ ability to adapt to and occupy rapidly changing environments through morphological changes. We investigated the morphometric responses of two passerine species, the non-native house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and its native congener, the Cape sparrow (Passer melanurus), along gradients of spatial and temporal urbanisation in South Africa over a 52-year period. The house sparrow was significantly heavier, larger and in better condition with increasing urban infrastructure and lower urban vegetation cover, while the Cape sparrow showed opposing trends along these gradients. Temporally, the house sparrow’s body mass increased consistently over the 52-year study period, suggesting changes in morphology were concomitant with increasing urbanisation over time. This study demonstrates distinct differences in the morphological responses of the non-native house sparrow and the native Cape sparrow to increasing urban development. These morphological responses may also underpin community-level changes caused by urbanisation, enhancing the capabilities of non-native species to thrive over their native counterparts in these environments.