bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Persistent Power of Cultural Racism
Authors: Alcoff Linda Martín
Published: June 2023

‘Cultural racism’ is central to understanding racism today yet has receded into the background behind the focus on attitudinal racism. Even the turn to structural racism is largely circumscribed to inclusion without substantive challenge to existing processes or profit margins. When portions of the racist public are targeted, it is often the least elite members of society. Without question, the concept of cultural racism requires some clarification, but it will help bring the continued influence of colonialism forward and reveal the alibis given in mainstream and elite circles that justify exclusion, resource extraction, and domination.
Effects of Landslides on Terrestrial Carbon Stocks With a Coupled Geomorphic‐Biologic Model: Southeast Alaska, United States
Authors: Booth A. M. , Buma B. , Nagorski S.
Published: June 2023

Landslides influence the global carbon (C) cycle by facilitating transfer of terrestrial C in biomass and soils to offshore depocenters and redistributing C within the landscape, affecting the terrestrial C reservoir itself. How landslides affect terrestrial C stocks is rarely quantified, so we derive a model that couples stochastic landslides with terrestrial C dynamics, calibrated to temperate rainforests in southeast Alaska, United States. Modeled landslides episodically transfer C from scars to deposits and destroy living biomass. After a landslide, total C stocks on the scar recover, while those on the deposit either increase (in the case of living biomass) or decrease while remaining higher than if no landslide had occurred (in the case of dead biomass and soil C). Specifically, modeling landslides in a 29.9 km2 watershed at the observed rate of 0.004 landslides km−2 yr−1 decreases average living biomass C density by 0.9 tC ha−1 (a relative amount of 0.4%), increases dead biomass C by 0.3 tC ha−1 (0.6%), and increases soil C by 3.4 tC ha−1 (0.8%) relative to a base case with no landslides. The net effect is a small increase in total terrestrial C stocks of 2.8 tC ha−1 (0.4%). The size of this boost increases with landslide frequency, reaching 6.5% at a frequency of 0.1 landslides km−2 yr−1. If similar dynamics occur in other landslide‐prone regions of the globe, landslides should be a net C sink and a natural buffer against increasing atmospheric CO2 levels, which are forecast to increase landslide‐triggering precipitation events.
Mapping Beaver Dams with Machine Learning
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: June 2023

A new model deploys a neural network to spot beavers’ engineering exploits in aerial and satellite imagery, an approach that should aid studies of ecosystem and landscape change.
Evidence for Non‐Monotonic and Broadband Electron Distributions in the Europa Footprint Tail Revealed by Juno In Situ Measurements
Authors: Rabia J. , Hue V. , Szalay J. R. , André N. , Nénon Q. , Blanc M. , Allegrini F. , Bolton S. J. , Connerney J. E. P. , Ebert R. W. , Gladstone G. R. , Greathouse T. K. , Louarn P. , Mura A. , Penou E. , Sulaiman A. H.
Published: June 2023

We characterize the precipitating electrons accelerated in the Europa‐magnetosphere interaction by analyzing in situ measurements and remote sensing observations recorded during 10 crossings of the flux tubes connected to Europa's auroral footprint tail by Juno. The electron downward energy flux, ranging from 34 to 0.8 mW/m2, exhibits an exponential decay as a function of downtail distance, with an e‐folding factor of 7.4°. Electrons are accelerated at energies between 0.3 and 25 keV, with a characteristic energy that decreases downtail. The electron distributions form non‐monotonic spectra in the near tail (i.e., within an angular separation of less than 4°) that become broadband in the far tail. The size of the interaction region at the equator is estimated to be 4.2 ± 0.9 Europa radii, consistent with previous estimates based on theory and UV observations.
Episodic Subglacial Drainage Cascades Below the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream
Authors: Andersen J. K. , Rathmann N. , Hvidberg C. S. , Grinsted A. , Kusk A. , Merryman Boncori J. P. , Mouginot J.
Published: June 2023

Subglacial hydrology can exert an important control on ice flow by affecting friction at the ice‐bedrock interface. Here, we report on a series of subglacial drainage events along the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS), initiating as far inland as 500 km from the margin of Zachariae Isstrøm. The drainage events exhibit local transient uplift, followed by prolonged subsidence, measured by differential satellite synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR). In downstream regions, drainage events are associated with temporary acceleration in ice flow. The high spatiotemporal resolution of the DInSAR measurements allows for a detailed mapping of the drainage propagation pathway. We show that multiple drainage cascades have occurred along the same pathway over the years 2020–2022. Finally, the propagation speed of subglacial water flow is found to vary greatly along NEGIS, suggesting that fundamental differences could exist in the subglacial environment.
On the Impact of Thermal Gradients Across Fluxgate Sensors on In Situ Magnetic Field Measurements
Authors: Greene K. , Hansen C. T. , Miles D. M.
Published: June 2023

Fluxgate magnetometers are an important tool for measuring space plasmas. In situ magnetic field investigations often involve measuring small perturbations of a large background field, so robust instrument calibration is critical to accurately resolving geophysical signals. Fluxgate instruments aboard recent space science missions have observed calibration anomalies that have been attributed to thermal gradients across the sensor. Here we present data from a laboratory experimental investigation of effects of thermal gradients on fluxgate calibration and performance. A purpose‐built laboratory apparatus fixed two thermal reservoirs at either end of a racetrack fluxgate sensor. Varying the reservoir temperatures allowed us to vary the sensor temperature and impose thermal gradients as large as 50°C across a racetrack fluxgate sensor. We find that changes in instrumental sensitivity, offset, and noise can be explained purely by changes in the average temperature of the sensor without a dependence on the difference in temperature across the sensor. We suggest that invoking concept of a static thermal gradient inducing thermoelectric currents within the fluxgate core or sensor may not be appropriate to explain changes in instrumental sensitivity, offset, and noise that have been observed on orbit.
Single-mode quasi PT-symmetric laser with high power emission
Authors: Şeker Enes , Olyaeefar Babak , Dadashi Khalil , Şengül Serdar , Teimourpour Mohammad Hosain , El-Ganainy Ramy , Demir Abdullah
Published: June 2023

Large-area lasers are practical for generating high output powers. However, this often comes at the expense of lower beam quality due to the introduction of higher-order modes. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a new type of electrically pumped, large-area edge-emitting lasers that exhibit a high power emission (∼0.4 W) and a high-quality beam (M2∼1.25). These favorable operational characteristics are enabled by establishing a quasi PT-symmetry between the second-order mode of a large area two-mode laser cavity and that of a single-mode auxiliary partner cavity, i.e., by implementing a partial isospectrality between the two coupled cavities. This in turn enlarges the effective volume of the higher-order modes. As a result, a selective pump applied via current injection into the main laser cavity can provide a stronger modal gain to the fundamental mode, and thus lead to lasing in the single mode regime after filtering out higher order transverse modes. The reported experimental results confirm this intuitive picture and are in good agreement with both theoretical and numerical analysis. Above all, the employed material platform and fabrication process are compatible with the industrial standards of semiconductor lasers. This work provides the first clear demonstration, beyond previous proof-of-concept studies, of the utility of PT-symmetry in building laser geometries with enhanced performance and, at the same time, useful output power levels and emission characteristics.
Life strategies for Aminicenantia in subseafloor oceanic crust
Authors: Booker Anne E , D’Angelo Timothy , Adams-Beyea Annabelle , Brown Julia M , Nigro Olivia , Rappé Michael S , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Orcutt Beth N
Published: June 2023

After decades studying the microbial “deep biosphere” in subseafloor oceanic crust, the growth and life strategies in this anoxic, low energy habitat remain poorly described. Using both single cell genomics and metagenomics, we reveal the life strategies of two distinct lineages of uncultivated Aminicenantia bacteria from the basaltic subseafloor oceanic crust of the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Both lineages appear adapted to scavenge organic carbon, as each have genetic potential to catabolize amino acids and fatty acids, aligning with previous Aminicenantia reports. Given the organic carbon limitation in this habitat, seawater recharge and necromass may be important carbon sources for heterotrophic microorganisms inhabiting the ocean crust. Both lineages generate ATP via several mechanisms including substrate-level phosphorylation, anaerobic respiration, and electron bifurcation driving an Rnf ion translocation membrane complex. Genomic comparisons suggest these Aminicenantia transfer electrons extracellularly, perhaps to iron or sulfur oxides consistent with mineralogy of this site. One lineage, called JdFR-78, has small genomes that are basal to the Aminicenantia class and potentially use “primordial” siroheme biosynthetic intermediates for heme synthesis, suggesting this lineage retain characteristics of early evolved life. Lineage JdFR-78 contains CRISPR-Cas defenses to evade viruses, while other lineages contain prophage that may help prevent super-infection or no detectable viral defenses. Overall, genomic evidence points to Aminicenantia being well adapted to oceanic crust environments by taking advantage of simple organic molecules and extracellular electron transport.
Nanovesicles loaded with a TGF-β receptor 1 inhibitor overcome immune resistance to potentiate cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Mengxue , Wang Jiaxin , Pan Jiaxing , Wang Hui , Huang Lujia , Hou Bo , Lai Yi , Wang Fengyang , Guan Qingxiang , Wang Feng , Xu Zhiai , Yu Haijun
Published: June 2023

The immune-excluded tumors (IETs) show limited response to current immunotherapy due to intrinsic and adaptive immune resistance. In this study, it is identified that inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor 1 can relieve tumor fibrosis, thus facilitating the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes. Subsequently, a nanovesicle is constructed for tumor-specific co-delivery of a TGF-β inhibitor (LY2157299, LY) and the photosensitizer pyropheophorbide a (PPa). The LY-loaded nanovesicles suppress tumor fibrosis to promote intratumoral infiltration of T lymphocytes. Furthermore, PPa chelated with gadolinium ion is capable of fluorescence, photoacoustic and magnetic resonance triple-modal imaging-guided photodynamic therapy, to induce immunogenic death of tumor cells and elicit antitumor immunity in preclinical cancer models in female mice. These nanovesicles are further armored with a lipophilic prodrug of the bromodomain-containing protein 4 inhibitor (i.e., JQ1) to abolish programmed death ligand 1 expression of tumor cells and overcome adaptive immune resistance. This study may pave the way for nanomedicine-based immunotherapy of the IETs.
Local spectroscopy of a gate-switchable moiré quantum anomalous Hall insulator
Authors: Zhang Canxun , Zhu Tiancong , Soejima Tomohiro , Kahn Salman , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Zettl Alex , Wang Feng , Zaletel Michael P. , Crommie Michael F.
Published: June 2023

In recent years, correlated insulating states, unconventional superconductivity, and topologically non-trivial phases have all been observed in several moiré heterostructures. However, understanding of the physical mechanisms behind these phenomena is hampered by the lack of local electronic structure data. Here, we use scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy to demonstrate how the interplay between correlation, topology, and local atomic structure determines the behaviour of electron-doped twisted monolayer–bilayer graphene. Through gate- and magnetic field-dependent measurements, we observe local spectroscopic signatures indicating a quantum anomalous Hall insulating state with a total Chern number of ±2 at a doping level of three electrons per moiré unit cell. We show that the sign of the Chern number and associated magnetism can be electrostatically switched only over a limited range of twist angle and sample hetero-strain values. This results from a competition between the orbital magnetization of filled bulk bands and chiral edge states, which is sensitive to strain-induced distortions in the moiré superlattice.
Tuning orbital-selective phase transitions in a two-dimensional Hund’s correlated system
Authors: Ko Eun Kyo , Hahn Sungsoo , Sohn Changhee , Lee Sangmin , Lee Seung-Sup B. , Sohn Byungmin , Kim Jeong Rae , Son Jaeseok , Song Jeongkeun , Kim Youngdo , Kim Donghan , Kim Miyoung , Kim Choong H. , Kim Changyoung , Noh Tae Won
Published: June 2023

Hund’s rule coupling (J) has attracted much attention recently for its role in the description of the novel quantum phases of multi-orbital materials. Depending on the orbital occupancy, J can lead to various intriguing phases. However, experimental confirmation of the orbital occupancy dependency has been difficult as controlling the orbital degrees of freedom normally accompanies chemical inhomogeneities. Here, we demonstrate a method to investigate the role of orbital occupancy in J related phenomena without inducing inhomogeneities. By growing SrRuO3 monolayers on various substrates with symmetry-preserving interlayers, we gradually tune the crystal field splitting and thus the orbital degeneracy of the Ru t2g orbitals. It effectively varies the orbital occupancies of two-dimensional (2D) ruthenates. Via in-situ angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we observe a progressive metal-insulator transition (MIT). It is found that the MIT occurs with orbital differentiation: concurrent opening of a band insulating gap in the dxy band and a Mott gap in the dxz/yz bands. Our study provides an effective experimental method for investigation of orbital-selective phenomena in multi-orbital materials.
Single-emitter quantum key distribution over 175 km of fibre with optimised finite key rates
Authors: Morrison Christopher L. , Pousa Roberto G. , Graffitti Francesco , Koong Zhe Xian , Barrow Peter , Stoltz Nick G. , Bouwmeester Dirk , Jeffers John , Oi Daniel K. L. , Gerardot Brian D. , Fedrizzi Alessandro
Published: June 2023

Quantum key distribution with solid-state single-photon emitters is gaining traction due to their rapidly improving performance and compatibility with future quantum networks. Here we emulate a quantum key distribution scheme with quantum-dot-generated single photons frequency-converted to 1550 nm, achieving count rates of 1.6 MHz with $${g}^{\left(2\right)}\left(0\right)=3.6\%$$

g

2

0

=
3.6
%
and asymptotic positive key rates over 175 km of telecom fibre. We show that the commonly used finite-key analysis for non-decoy state QKD drastically overestimates secure key acquisition times due to overly loose bounds on statistical fluctuations. Using the tighter multiplicative Chernoff bound to constrain the estimated finite key parameters, we reduce the required number of received signals by a factor 108. The resulting finite key rate approaches the asymptotic limit at all achievable distances in acquisition times of one hour, and at 100 km we generate finite keys at 13 kbps for one minute of acquisition. This result is an important step towards long-distance single-emitter quantum networking.
Stochastic representation of many-body quantum states
Authors: Atanasova Hristiana , Bernheimer Liam , Cohen Guy
Published: June 2023

The quantum many-body problem is ultimately a curse of dimensionality: the state of a system with many particles is determined by a function with many dimensions, which rapidly becomes difficult to efficiently store, evaluate and manipulate numerically. On the other hand, modern machine learning models like deep neural networks can express highly correlated functions in extremely large-dimensional spaces, including those describing quantum mechanical problems. We show that if one represents wavefunctions as a stochastically generated set of sample points, the problem of finding ground states can be reduced to one where the most technically challenging step is that of performing regression—a standard supervised learning task. In the stochastic representation the (anti)symmetric property of fermionic/bosonic wavefunction can be used for data augmentation and learned rather than explicitly enforced. We further demonstrate that propagation of an ansatz towards the ground state can then be performed in a more robust and computationally scalable fashion than traditional variational approaches allow.
Resource-aware construct design in mammalian cells
Authors: Di Blasi Roberto , Pisani Mara , Tedeschi Fabiana , Marbiah Masue M. , Polizzi Karen , Furini Simone , Siciliano Velia , Ceroni Francesca
Published: June 2023

Resource competition can be the cause of unintended coupling between co-expressed genetic constructs. Here we report the quantification of the resource load imposed by different mammalian genetic components and identify construct designs with increased performance and reduced resource footprint. We use these to generate improved synthetic circuits and optimise the co-expression of transfected cassettes, shedding light on how this can be useful for bioproduction and biotherapeutic applications. This work provides the scientific community with a framework to consider resource demand when designing mammalian constructs to achieve robust and optimised gene expression.
Understanding capacity fade in organic redox-flow batteries by combining spectroscopy with statistical inference techniques
Authors: Modak Sanat Vibhas , Shen Wanggang , Singh Siddhant , Herrera Dylan , Oudeif Fairooz , Goldsmith Bryan R. , Huan Xun , Kwabi David G.
Published: June 2023

Organic redox-active molecules are attractive as redox-flow battery (RFB) reactants because of their low anticipated costs and widely tunable properties. Unfortunately, many lab-scale flow cells experience rapid material degradation (from chemical and electrochemical decay mechanisms) and capacity fade during cycling (>0.1%/day) hindering their commercial deployment. In this work, we combine ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and statistical inference techniques to elucidate the Michael attack decay mechanism for 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonic acid (BQDS), a once-promising positive electrolyte reactant for aqueous organic redox-flow batteries. We use Bayesian inference and multivariate curve resolution on the spectroscopic data to derive uncertainty-quantified reaction orders and rates for Michael attack, estimate the spectra of intermediate species and establish a quantitative connection between molecular decay and capacity fade. Our work illustrates the promise of using statistical inference to elucidate chemical and electrochemical mechanisms of capacity fade in organic redox-flow battery together with uncertainty quantification, in flow cell-based electrochemical systems.
Structure and antigenicity of divergent Henipavirus fusion glycoproteins
Authors: Isaacs Ariel , Low Yu Shang , Macauslane Kyle L. , Seitanidou Joy , Pegg Cassandra L. , Cheung Stacey T. M. , Liang Benjamin , Scott Connor A. P. , Landsberg Michael J. , Schulz Benjamin L. , Chappell Keith J. , Modhiran Naphak , Watterson Daniel
Published: June 2023

In August 2022, a novel henipavirus (HNV) named Langya virus (LayV) was isolated from patients with severe pneumonic disease in China. This virus is closely related to Mòjiāng virus (MojV), and both are divergent from the bat-borne HNV members, Nipah (NiV) and Hendra (HeV) viruses. The spillover of LayV is the first instance of a HNV zoonosis to humans outside of NiV and HeV, highlighting the continuing threat this genus poses to human health. In this work, we determine the prefusion structures of MojV and LayV F proteins via cryogenic electron microscopy to 2.66 and 3.37 Å, respectively. We show that despite sequence divergence from NiV, the F proteins adopt an overall similar structure but are antigenically distinct as they do not react to known antibodies or sera. Glycoproteomic analysis revealed that while LayV F is less glycosylated than NiV F, it contains a glycan that shields a site of vulnerability previously identified for NiV. These findings explain the distinct antigenic profile of LayV and MojV F, despite the extent to which they are otherwise structurally similar to NiV. Our results carry implications for broad-spectrum HNV vaccines and therapeutics, and indicate an antigenic, yet not structural, divergence from prototypical HNVs.
Sexual selection for both diversity and repetition in birdsong
Authors: Sierro Javier , de Kort Selvino R. , Hartley Ian R.
Published: June 2023

From fiddler crabs to humans, animals perform repetitive displays showing neuromotor skill and vigour. Consistent repetition of identical notes (vocal consistency) facilitates the assessment of neuromotor skills and is important in communication in birds. Most birdsong research has focused on song diversity as a signal of individual quality, which seems contradictory as repetition is extremely common in most species. Here we show that consistent repetition within songs is positively correlated with reproductive success in male blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). A playback experiment shows that females are sexually aroused by male songs with high levels of vocal consistency, which also peaks seasonally during the fertile period of the female, supporting the role of vocal consistency in mate choice. Male vocal consistency also increases with subsequent repetitions of the same song type (a warm-up effect) which conflicts with the fact that females habituate to repeated song, showing decreased arousal. Importantly, we find that switching song types elicits significant dishabituation within the playback, supporting the habituation hypothesis as an evolutionary mechanism driving song diversity in birds. An optimal balance between repetition and diversity may explain the singing style of many bird species and displays of other animals.
Ratiometric measurement of MAM Ca2+ dynamics using a modified CalfluxVTN
Authors: Cho Eunbyul , Woo Youngsik , Suh Yeongjun , Suh Bo Kyoung , Kim Soo Jeong , Nhung Truong Thi My , Yoo Jin Yeong , Nghi Tran Diem , Lee Su Been , Mun Dong Jin , Park Sang Ki
Published: June 2023

Mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) is a structure where these calcium-regulating organelles form close physical contact sites for efficient Ca2+crosstalk. Despite the central importance of MAM Ca2+dynamics in diverse biological processes, directly and specifically measuring Ca2+concentrations inside MAM is technically challenging. Here, we develop MAM-Calflux, a MAM-specific BRET-based Ca2+indicator. The successful application of the bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) concept highlights Ca2+-responsive BRET signals in MAM. The BiFC strategy imparts dual functionality as a Ca2+indicator and quantitative structural marker specific for MAM. As a ratiometric Ca2+indicator, MAM-Calflux estimates steady-state MAM Ca2+levels. Finally, it enables the visualization of uneven intracellular distribution of MAM Ca2+and the elucidation of abnormally accumulated MAM Ca2+from the neurons of Parkinson’s disease mouse model in both steady-state and stimulated conditions. Therefore, we propose that MAM-Calflux can be a versatile tool for ratiometrically measuring dynamic inter-organellar Ca2+communication.
Tunable CO2 electroreduction to ethanol and ethylene with controllable interfacial wettability
Authors: Lin Yan , Wang Tuo , Zhang Lili , Zhang Gong , Li Lulu , Chang Qingfeng , Pang Zifan , Gao Hui , Huang Kai , Zhang Peng , Zhao Zhi-Jian , Pei Chunlei , Gong Jinlong
Published: June 2023

The mechanism of how interfacial wettability impacts the CO2 electroreduction pathways to ethylene and ethanol remains unclear. This paper describes the design and realization of controllable equilibrium of kinetic-controlled *CO and *H via modifying alkanethiols with different alkyl chain lengths to reveal its contribution to ethylene and ethanol pathways. Characterization and simulation reveal that the mass transport of CO2 and H2O is related with interfacial wettability, which may result in the variation of kinetic-controlled *CO and *H ratio, which affects ethylene and ethanol pathways. Through modulating the hydrophilic interface to superhydrophobic interface, the reaction limitation shifts from insufficient supply of kinetic-controlled *CO to that of *H. The ethanol to ethylene ratio can be continuously tailored in a wide range from 0.9 to 1.92, with remarkable Faradaic efficiencies toward ethanol and multi-carbon (C2+) products up to 53.7% and 86.1%, respectively. A C2+ Faradaic efficiency of 80.3% can be achieved with a high C2+ partial current density of 321 mA cm−2, which is among the highest selectivity at such current densities.
Chromatin remodeling by Pol II primes efficient Pol III transcription
Authors: Yague-Sanz Carlo , Migeot Valérie , Larochelle Marc , Bachand François , Wéry Maxime , Morillon Antonin , Hermand Damien
Published: June 2023

The packaging of the genetic material into chromatin imposes the remodeling of this barrier to allow efficient transcription. RNA polymerase II activity is coupled with several histone modification complexes that enforce remodeling. How RNA polymerase III (Pol III) counteracts the inhibitory effect of chromatin is unknown. We report here a mechanism where RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription is required to prime and maintain nucleosome depletion at Pol III loci and contributes to efficient Pol III recruitment upon re-initiation of growth from stationary phase in Fission yeast. The Pcr1 transcription factor participates in the recruitment of Pol II, which affects local histone occupancy through the associated SAGA complex and a Pol II phospho-S2 CTD / Mst2 pathway. These data expand the central role of Pol II in gene expression beyond mRNA synthesis.
A short dasatinib and quercetin treatment is sufficient to reinstate potent adult neuroregenesis in the aged killifish
Authors: Van houcke Jolien , Mariën Valerie , Zandecki Caroline , Ayana Rajagopal , Pepermans Elise , Boonen Kurt , Seuntjens Eve , Baggerman Geert , Arckens Lutgarde
Published: June 2023

The young African turquoise killifish has a high regenerative capacity, but loses it with advancing age, adopting several aspects of the limited form of mammalian regeneration. We deployed a proteomic strategy to identify pathways that underpin the loss of regenerative power caused by aging. Cellular senescence stood out as a potential brake on successful neurorepair. We applied the senolytic cocktail Dasatinib and Quercetin (D + Q) to test clearance of chronic senescent cells from the aged killifish central nervous system (CNS) as well as rebooting the neurogenic output. Our results show that the entire aged killifish telencephalon holds a very high senescent cell burden, including the parenchyma and the neurogenic niches, which could be diminished by a short-term, late-onset D + Q treatment. Reactive proliferation of non-glial progenitors increased substantially and lead to restorative neurogenesis after traumatic brain injury. Our results provide a cellular mechanism for age-related regeneration resilience and a proof-of-concept of a potential therapy to revive the neurogenic potential in an already aged or diseased CNS.
Ontogenetic transitions, biomechanical trade-offs and macroevolution of scyphozoan medusae swimming patterns
Authors: von Montfort Guilherme M. , Costello John H. , Colin Sean P. , Morandini André C. , Migotto Alvaro E. , Maronna Maximiliano M. , Reginato Marcelo , Miyake Hiroshi , Nagata Renato M.
Published: June 2023

Ephyrae, the early stages of scyphozoan jellyfish, possess a conserved morphology among species. However, ontogenetic transitions lead to morphologically different shapes among scyphozoan lineages, with important consequences for swimming biomechanics, bioenergetics and ecology. We used high-speed imaging to analyse biomechanical and kinematic variables of swimming in 17 species of Scyphozoa (1 Coronatae, 8 “Semaeostomeae” and 8 Rhizostomeae) at different developmental stages. Swimming kinematics of early ephyrae were similar, in general, but differences related to major lineages emerged through development. Rhizostomeae medusae have more prolate bells, shorter pulse cycles and higher swimming performances. Medusae of “Semaeostomeae”, in turn, have more variable bell shapes and most species had lower swimming performances. Despite these differences, both groups travelled the same distance per pulse suggesting that each pulse is hydrodynamically similar. Therefore, higher swimming velocities are achieved in species with higher pulsation frequencies. Our results suggest that medusae of Rhizostomeae and “Semaeostomeae” have evolved bell kinematics with different optimized traits, rhizostomes optimize rapid fluid processing, through faster pulsations, while “semaeostomes” optimize swimming efficiency, through longer interpulse intervals that enhance mechanisms of passive energy recapture.
A global perspective on the intrinsic dimensionality of COVID-19 data
Authors: Varghese Abhishek , Santos-Fernandez Edgar , Denti Francesco , Mira Antonietta , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: June 2023

We develop a novel global perspective of the complexity of the relationships between three COVID-19 datasets, the standardised per-capita growth rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and the Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker COVID-19 Stringency Index (CSI) which is a measure describing a country’s stringency of lockdown policies. We use a state-of-the-art heterogeneous intrinsic dimension estimator implemented as a Bayesian mixture model, called Hidalgo. Our findings suggest that these highly popular COVID-19 statistics may project onto two low-dimensional manifolds without significant information loss, suggesting that COVID-19 data dynamics are generated from a latent mechanism characterised by a few important variables. The low dimensionality imply a strong dependency among the standardised growth rates of cases and deaths per capita and the CSI for countries over 2020–2021. Importantly, we identify spatial autocorrelation in the intrinsic dimension distribution worldwide. The results show how high-income countries are more prone to lie on low-dimensional manifolds, likely arising from aging populations, comorbidities, and increased per capita mortality burden from COVID-19. Finally, the temporal stratification of the dataset allows the examination of the intrinsic dimension at a more granular level throughout the pandemic.
Photo-elasticity of silk fibroin harnessing whispering gallery modes
Authors: Korakas Nikolaos , Vurro Davide , Tsilipakos Odysseas , Vasileiadis Thomas , Graczykowski Bartlomiej , Cucinotta Annamaria , Selleri Stefano , Fytas George , Iannotta Salvatore , Pissadakis Stavros
Published: June 2023

Silk fibroin is an important biomaterial for photonic devices in wearable systems. The functionality of such devices is inherently influenced by the stimulation from elastic deformations, which are mutually coupled through photo-elasticity. Here, we investigate the photo-elasticity of silk fibroin employing optical whispering gallery mode resonation of light at the wavelength of 1550 nm. The fabricated amorphous (Silk I) and thermally-annealed semi-crystalline structure (Silk II) silk fibroin thin film cavities display typical Q-factors of about 1.6 × 104. Photo-elastic experiments are performed tracing the TE and TM shifts of the whispering gallery mode resonances upon application of an axial strain. The strain optical coefficient K’ for Silk I fibroin is found to be 0.059 ± 0.004, with the corresponding value for Silk II being 0.129 ± 0.004. Remarkably, the elastic Young’s modulus, measured by Brillouin light spectroscopy, is only about 4% higher in the Silk II phase. However, differences between the two structures are pronounced regarding the photo-elastic properties due to the onset of β-sheets that dominates the Silk II structure.
Effect of light intensity in the nest site on eggshell pigmentation in a hole-nesting passerine
Authors: Malinowska Katarzyna , Szala Klaudia , Podkowa Paweł , Surmacki Adrian
Published: June 2023

Daylight is an important factor necessary for the proper embryonic development of birds, which raises the question, what happens when birds nest in relatively dim sites? The study experimentally tested whether there is a relationship between light conditions at the nesting site and the protoporphyrin-based pigmentation in the eggshell of the Great Tit (Parus major). We hypothesised that at lower light levels, eggs are less pigmented to increase the amount of light reaching the embryo. Our study system consisted of two types of nest boxes: "dark", in which the only source of light was the entrance hole, and "bright", which had two additional side windows. Photographs of clutches taken during the incubation period were used to quantify eggshell pigmentation. Multispectral image analyses were performed to measure variables correlating with protoporphyrin content, such as spot brightness, average spot size, spotting coverage, and spot red chroma. Repeatability analysis indicated that eggshell colouration characteristics were significantly and moderately repeatable between eggs from a single clutch, which suggests that they are under genetic and environmental control. However, none of the pigmentation traits differed significantly between the two types of nest boxes. We speculate about other ecological aspects that might have influenced the observed variability in eggshell pigmentation.
X-ray source arrays for volumetric imaging during radiotherapy treatment
Authors: Dillon Owen , Reynolds Tess , O’Brien Ricky T.
Published: June 2023

This work presents a novel hardware configuration for radiotherapy systems to enable fast 3D X-ray imaging before and during treatment delivery. Standard external beam radiotherapy linear accelerators (linacs) have a single X-ray source and detector located at ± 90° from the treatment beam respectively. The entire system can be rotated around the patient acquiring multiple 2D X-ray images to create a 3D cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image before treatment delivery to ensure the tumour and surrounding organs align with the treatment plan. Scanning with a single source is slow relative to patient respiration or breath holds and cannot be performed during treatment delivery, limiting treatment delivery accuracy in the presence of patient motion and excluding some patients from concentrated treatment plans that would be otherwise expected to have improved outcomes. This simulation study investigated whether recent advances in carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission source arrays, high frame rate (60 Hz) flat panel detectors and compressed sensing reconstruction algorithms could circumvent imaging limitations of current linacs. We investigated a novel hardware configuration incorporating source arrays and high frame rate detectors into an otherwise standard linac. We investigated four potential pre-treatment scan protocols that could be achieved in a 17 s breath hold or 2–10 1 s breath holds. Finally, we demonstrated for the first time volumetric X-ray imaging during treatment delivery by using source arrays, high frame rate detectors and compressed sensing. Image quality was assessed quantitatively over the CBCT geometric field of view as well as across each axis through the tumour centroid. Our results demonstrate that source array imaging enables larger volumes to be imaged with acquisitions as short as 1 s albeit with reduced image quality arising from lower photon flux and shorter imaging arcs.
Sitagliptin ameliorates busulfan-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects
Authors: Ali Eman A. , Tayel Sara G. , Abbas Mona A.
Published: June 2023

Busulfan (BUS) is an anticancer agent with serious adverse effects on various body organs, including the lung and testis. Sitagliptin was proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects. This study aims to evaluate whether sitagliptin, a DPP4I, ameliorates BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were split into control, sitagliptin (10 mg/kg), BUS (30 mg/kg), and sitagliptin + BUS groups. Weight change, lung and testis indices, serum testosterone, sperm parameters, markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], inflammation [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and relative expression of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein type O1 (FOXO1) genes were estimated. Histopathological examination of lung and testicular tissues was done to detect architectural changes [Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)], fibrosis (Masson’s trichrome), and apoptosis (caspase-3). Sitagliptin treatment reduced body weight loss, lung index, lung and testis MDA, serum TNF-α and sperm abnormal morphology, and increased testis index, lung and testis GSH, serum testosterone, sperm count, viability and motility. SIRT1/FOXO1 balance was restored. Also, sitagliptin attenuated fibrosis and apoptosis in lung and testicular tissues via reducing collagen deposition and caspase-3 expression. Accordingly, sitagliptin ameliorated BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular damage in rats via attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis.
Correlation analysis of hysterectomy and ovarian preservation with depression
Authors: Yang Yunhong , Zhang Xiangqi , Fan Yinuo , Zhang Jiahao , Chen Bingchun , Sun Xiaofeng , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

The relationship between hysterectomy and ovarian preservation and depression is controversial. This study aimed to determine the association of hysterectomy and ovarian preservation with depression using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. To assess the association between hysterectomy with or without ovariectomy and depression, we used 3 methods. Method 1: propensity score model (PSM) was established. Method 2 was logistics regression analysis of hysterectomy and depression before and after PSM. Method 3 was a logistics regression analysis of the relationship between hysterectomy and different depressive symptoms. At the same time, in order to evaluate the association between hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy and depression, we explored the effect of four different surgical procedures on depression using logistic regression equations. We enrolled 12,097 women, of whom 2763 underwent hysterectomy, 34.455% were positive for depression. After weighting, 33.825% of the total sample had a PHQ ≥ 5. Finally, a total of 2778 women were successfully matched by propensity score, and 35.537% of them were positive for depression. The OR for PHQ ≥ 5 was 1.236 after crude adjustment of covariates and 1.234 after exact adjustment. This suggests that Hysterectomy is strongly associated with positive depression. Positive depression (PHQ ≥ 5) was associated with little interest, feeling down and trouble concentrating. It was not associated with trouble sleeping, feeling tired, poor appetite, feeling bad, slow moving or speaking, and suicidal thoughts. Oophorectomy-alone is not associated with depression. Hysterectomy-alone is a risk factor for depression, but Hysterectomy combined with Oophorectomy has a stronger correlation with depression than Hysterectomy-alone. Women who have had a Hysterectomy are at higher risk of depression than women who have not had a Hysterectomy, and this risk may be exacerbated if the uterus and ovaries are removed. When clinically appropriate, surgeons should try to preserve the patient's ovaries.
The prevalence of masked hypertension in patients with lone atrial fibrillation: a cross sectional analytical study
Authors: Ayalon-Dangur Irit , Ofer-Shiber Shachaf , Shochat Tzippy , Genin Irina , Arlyuk Maya , Grossman Alon
Published: June 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in individuals with essential hypertension (HTN). Masked hypertension occurs in up to 15% of the general population and is associated with adverse clinical outcome. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension in apparently normotensive individuals with lone AF. A cross sectional analytical study performed at the Rabin Medical Center included all patients > 18 years who visited the emergency department (ED) in the years 2018–2021 with idiopathic AF, had normal blood pressure (BP) values during their ED visit and did not have a history of hypertension or current use of anti-hypertensives. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed in all eligible patients within 30 days from ED visit. Data collected included information from the ED visit and data extracted from the monitoring device. A total of 1258 patients were screened for eligibility, of which 40 were included in the analysis. The average age was 53.4 ± 16 years, 28 patients (70%) were males. Overall, 18 individuals (46%) had abnormal BP values according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines for the diagnosis of hypertension. Of these, 12 had abnormal 24-h BP average (≥ 125/75 mmHg), one had isolated daytime abnormal average (≥ 130/80 mmHg) and 11 had isolated night time abnormal average (≥ 110/65 mmHg). Masked hypertension is prevalent in patients with lone AF without a diagnosis of HTN and performing ABPM in such individuals should be strongly considered.
Global contextual attention augmented YOLO with ConvMixer prediction heads for PCB surface defect detection
Authors: Xia Kewen , Lv Zhongliang , Liu Kang , Lu Zhenyu , Zhou Chuande , Zhu Hong , Chen Xuanlin
Published: June 2023

To solve the problem of missed and false detection caused by the large number of tiny targets and complex background textures in a printed circuit board (PCB), we propose a global contextual attention augmented YOLO model with ConvMixer prediction heads (GCC-YOLO). In this study, we apply a high-resolution feature layer (P2) to gain more details and positional information of small targets. Moreover, in order to suppress the background noisy information and further enhance the feature extraction capability, a global contextual attention module (GC) is introduced in the backbone network and combined with a C3 module. Furthermore, in order to reduce the loss of shallow feature information due to the deepening of network layers, a bi-directional weighted feature pyramid (BiFPN) feature fusion structure is introduced. Finally, a ConvMixer module is introduced and combined with the C3 module to create a new prediction head, which improves the small target detection capability of the model while reducing the parameters. Test results on the PCB dataset show that GCC-YOLO improved the Precision, Recall, mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95 by 0.2%, 1.8%, 0.5%, and 8.3%, respectively, compared to YOLOv5s; moreover, it has a smaller model volume and faster reasoning speed compared to other algorithms.
Adaptive parameter estimation for the expanded sandwich model
Authors: Yang Guanglu , Zhang Huanlong , Liu Yubao , Sun Qingling , Qiao Jianwei
Published: June 2023

An expanded-sandwich system is a nonlinear extended block-oriented system in which memoryless elements in conventional block-oriented systems are displaced by memory submodels. Expanded-sandwich system identification has received extensive attention in recent years due to the powerful ability of these systems to describe actual industrial systems. This study proposes a novel recursive identification algorithm for an expanded-sandwich system, in which an estimator is developed on the basis of parameter identification error data rather than the traditional prediction error output information. In this scheme, a filter is introduced to extract the available system information based on miserly structure layout, and some intermediate variables are designed using filtered vectors. According to the developed intermediate variables, the parameter identification error data can be obtained. Thereafter, an adaptive estimator is established by integrating the identification error data compared with the classic adaptive estimator based on the prediction error output information. Thus, the design framework introduced in this research provides a new perspective for the design of identification algorithms. Under a general continuous excitation condition, the parameter estimation values can converge to the true values. Finally, experimental results and illustrative examples indicate the availability and usefulness of the proposed method.
Applying in-situ visible photopolymerization for fabrication of electrospun nanofibrous carrier for meloxicam delivery
Authors: Ahmadipour Z. , Seyed Dorraji M. S. , Ashjari H. R. , Dodangeh F. , Rasoulifard M. H.
Published: June 2023

Despite meloxicam’s many benefits, it will cause many drawbacks if the meloxicam release rate is not controlled. Accordingly, we introduced a technique based on the electrospinning process to control the release rate and also to reduce side effects. For this purpose, different nanofibers were used as drug couriers. Nanofibers were prepared using polyurethane, polyethylene glycol, and light curable poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) by electrospinning. In fact, light curable poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was synthesized as a hydrophilic functional group. Next, PEGDA and polyurethane were used simultaneously to fabricate the drug carrier nanofiber in a single processing step, and the electrospinning apparatus was equipped with a blue light source for in-situ photopolymerization during the electrospinning process. The molecular structures of nanofibers and PEGDA were investigated by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, SEM, TEM, XRD, and DSC analyses. Finally, we reduced in vitro drug release to 44% within ten hours, while the minimum release of meloxicam from the tablet was 98%.
Order scheduling optimization in manufacturing enterprises based on MDP and dynamic programming
Authors: Wulan Qiqige
Published: June 2023

In the era of Industry 4.0, order scheduling is a crucial link in the production of manufacturing enterprises. In view of order scheduling in manufacturing enterprises, a finite horizon Markov decision process model is proposed in this work based on two sets of equipment and three types of orders with different production lead times to maximize the revenue in manufacturing production systems. Then, the dynamic programming model is incorporated into the optimal order scheduling strategy. Python is employed to simulate the order scheduling in manufacturing enterprises. Based on survey data, the superiority of the proposed model compared to traditional first come, first served order scheduling is verified by experimental cases. Finally, sensitivity analysis is conducted on the longest service hours of the devices and the order completion rate to explore the applicability of the proposed order scheduling strategy.