bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering climate change impacts on resource extraction supply chain: a systematic review
Authors: Qarahasanlou Ali Nouri , Garmabaki A. H. S. , Kasraei Ahmad , Barabady Javad
Published: July 2024

Mining is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change (CC). The vulnerability stems from changing weather patterns, leading to extreme weather events that can cause damage to equipment, infrastructure, and mining facilities and disrupt operations. The new demand from governments and international agreements has placed additional pressure on mining industries to update their policies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to CC. This includes implementing carbon pricing systems, utilizing renewable energy, and focusing on sustainable development. Most mining and exploration industries prioritize reducing mining’s impact on climate change rather than adapting to extreme weather events. Therefore, it is important to study and investigate the impacts of climate change on the mining sector. This paper aims to investigate the challenges and strategies for adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change on mining through a systematic literature review. The results indicate that the majority of proposed models and strategies in the mining field are still in the conceptual phase, with fewer practical implementations. It has been identified that there is a requirement for long-term planning, improved risk management plans, and increased awareness and education within the industry. Practical strategies such as integrating renewable energy, enhancing operational safety, and improving water and tailings management have been recognized as crucial for effective climate change adaptation and mitigation.
New silica-based adsorbents for water purification: Removal of short- and long-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSA) at sub-nanomolar concentrations
Authors: Lassen Stephan , Niemeyer Bernd
Published: July 2024

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widespread in the aquatic environment and also measurable in ground and drinking water. Because of the insufficient PFAA elimination in conventional water treatment processes, e. g. active carbon based methods, consumers in areas with contaminated water supplies are exposed to an elevated health hazard. For this purpose, the applicability of five differentially fluorinated silica-based adsorbents (HSU00107954-958) to remove the potentially human toxic perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids(PFSAs) perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) from water was investigated with regard to removal efficiencies (REs) and equilibrium loadings. During the adsorbent screening at nanomolar concentrations (20.0–33.4 nmol L−1) maximum REs of 46.9% for PFBS (HSU00107954), 79.4% for PFHxS (HSU00107954), and between 86.5 to 96.7% for PFOS (HSU00107956, and HSU00107954, respectively) have been achieved. Even at picomolar concentrations (< 400 pmol L−1) HSU00107954 was still able to eliminate PFBS and PFHxS with an efficiency of 46.3–51.2% and 79.1–88.2%, respectively. Analyses of the equilibrium loadings of the functionalized adsorbents in the concentration range 40.1 pmol to 3.34 nmol L−1 resulted in appropriate linearized Freundlich isotherms for all investigated PFSA. Compared to literature-based Freundlich adsorption coefficients (KF) for granular activated carbon (GAC), the determined KF values (nmol(1−n) Ln m−2) of the most efficient adsorbents HSU00107956 and HSU00107954 for each PFSA were significantly 8–10 and 50–60 times higher, respectively. These proven increased adsorption capacities relative to activated carbon possibly indicate specific PFSA selectivities of the functionalized macroporous silica adsorbents.
Ultra-Thin Metasurface Polarization Converter with Linear and Circular Polarization Features for RCS Applications
Authors: Alahmed Albasry Fadi , Ozturk Gokhan , Hasar Ugur Cem , Corapsiz Muhammed Fatih
Published: July 2024

In this study, an attractive ultra-thin metasurface (MS) converter is proposed for both K-band (18–27 GHz) and Ka-band (27–40 GHz) having the superior performance of the linear-to-linear polarization (LP-LP) conversion and the linear-to-circular polarization (LP-CP) conversion. Its operating bandwidth for the LP-LP conversion is approximately over 18.6–26.7 GHz (lower part of the K-band) with a conversion efficiency of more than 90% and over 19.55–24.8 GHz (upper part of the K-band) with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) value of more than 99%. In addition, its operating bandwidth for the LP-CP conversion (a left-handed circular polarization (LHCP)) is nearly between 31.8 and 40.5 GHz (Ka-band) with a PCR value of more than 99%. The converter can achieve a PCR value greater than 90% for both the LP-LP and LP-CP conversions for an oblique incidence wave with an incidence angle up to $$ 40^\circ $$

40
∘

. The design also provides mono-static radar cross section for the 18.6–26.7 GHz frequency range, where the LP-LP conversion is provided. The proposed structure can be considered to be ultra-thin having a thickness of 1 mm corresponding to 0.075$$\lambda $$
λ
in the LP-LP and 0.12$$\lambda $$
λ
in the LP-CP cases concerning the center frequency. The cost-effective bandwidths (BWCEs) are 210 and 34 for the LP-LP and LP-CP conversions, respectively. Free-space experiments were carried out at X-band and Ku-band to validate our design.
Efficacy assessment in crop protection: a tutorial on the use of Abbott’s formula
Authors: Piepho Hans-Peter , Malik Waqas Ahmed , Bischoff Robert , El-Hasan Abbas , Scheer Christian , Sedlmeier Jan Erik , Gerhards Roland , Petschenka Georg , Voegele Ralf T.
Published: July 2024

In 1925, the American entomologist Walter Sidney Abbott proposed an equation for assessing efficacy, and it is still widely used today for analysing controlled experiments in crop protection and phytomedicine. Typically, this equation is applied to each experimental unit and the efficacy estimates thus obtained are then used in analysis of variance and least squares regression procedures. However, particularly regarding the common assumptions of homogeneity of variance and normality, this approach is often inaccurate. In this tutorial paper, we therefore revisit Abbott’s equation and outline an alternative route to analysis via generalized linear mixed models that can satisfactorily deal with these distributional issues. Nine examples from entomology, weed science and phytopathology, each with a different focus and methodological peculiarity, are used to illustrate the framework.
The Whys and Hows of Theory—Comparing Cognitive Science and Economics
Authors: Rich Patricia
Published: July 2024

Given the ongoing debates about the replication crisis, theory crisis, and cooperation among disciplines in cognitive science, it is instructive to compare cognitive science with economics. The two fields face common challenges, most importantly in that both study complex, open systems. The strategies for facing these challenges, however, are quite different. Economics was long dominated by theory. Cognitive science takes a multidisciplinary approach, and despite its attendant diversity is dominated by psychology, which itself often neglects theory. I defend economics’ use of theory, characterizing its formal modeling tradition as an effective divide-and-conquer strategy for understanding complex, open systems. I argue that theory and experimentation ideally support one another, making replicability less of an issue. I also discuss the appropriate level(s) of analysis in economics and cognitive science as products of the systems they study. Finally, I compare the two fields’ very different community structures, treating economics as a cautionary tale and advocating pluralism.
The contributions of cytogenetics, genetics, and epigenetics to the stability of plants polyploidy
Authors: Harun Arrashid , Fang Zhongming , Chen Chunli
Published: July 2024

Usually polyploid plants have difficulties in stabilizing and adapting to new genomic and phenotypic environments, especially in the early stages of their first generation compared with diploid. This review, systematically describes different methods of the formation of plant polyploids and then their cytogenetic, genetic, and epigenetic contributions for polyploid formation, stability, and adoption. Stable polyploid plants exhibit remarkable cytogenetic characteristics including chromosome numbers, chromosomal behavior, rearrangement, and nuclear-cytoplasmic genomes interaction (NCI). Significant genetic and epigenetic characteristics change including gene expression, imprinting, paramutation, gene dosage effect, tissue-specific gene expression, methylation, and histone modification. Besides, two meiotic genes play an important role in the stability of wheat and Brassica. polyploids. All changes assist polyploid plants in surviving and adapting within their diploid parents. This review also highlights the remarkable phenotypic changes in polyploid stable plants compared to the diploid, which has a significant effect on their improvement and diversity. The polyploid technique has been used to develop new plant species with desirable traits for agricultural improvement and genetic variability.
Getting the Race Wrong: A Case Study of Sampling Bias and Black Voters in Online, Opt-In Polls
Authors: Hopkins Daniel J. , Halm William , Huerta Melissa , Torres Josearmando
Published: July 2024

Researchers are increasingly reliant on online, opt-in surveys. But prior benchmarking exercises employ national samples, making it unclear whether such surveys can effectively represent Black respondents and other minorities nationwide. This paper presents the results of uncompensated online and in-person surveys administered chiefly in one racially diverse American city—Philadelphia—during its 2023 mayoral primary. The participation rate for online surveys promoted via Facebook and Instagram was .4%, with White residents and those with college degrees more likely to respond. Such biases help explain why neither our surveys nor public polls correctly identified the Democratic primary’s winner, an establishment-backed Black Democrat. Even weighted, geographically stratified online surveys typically underestimate the winner’s support, although an in-person exit poll does not. We identify some similar patterns in Chicago. These results indicate important gaps in the populations represented in contemporary opt-in surveys and suggest that alternative survey modes help reduce them.
When Do Voters See Fraud? Evaluating the Effects of Poll Supervision on Perceptions of Integrity
Authors: Mbozi Fanisi
Published: July 2024

What shapes voter perceptions of election outcomes? Recent disputes in Malawi and Kenya highlight the vulnerability of local vote counts to accusations of malfeasance, which often generate negative public perceptions of vote reliability. Election monitoring in these countries is thought to crucially affect both the quality of the election and voters’ perceptions of the same. To date, most research on this topic has focused on the effect of non-partisan electoral observers. However, in many countries, two other interest groups also monitor the vote-counting process: political party agents and government election officials. Does the presence of these actors also affect voter perceptions of election integrity? To answer this question, I conducted a conjoint experiment in Malawi and Kenya in which voters evaluate the reliability of vote counts from hypothetical polling stations where the presence of party agents, non-partisan observers, and election officials is varied. I find that the presence of each of these groups does indeed shape voter perceptions: voters are more likely to view vote counts as reliable when they are co-signed by a party agent, election official, or non-partisan observer. Further, these preferences persist regardless of the voters’ own party affiliation or trust in electoral institutions.
Geochemical and Radiogenic Sr‐Nd Isotope Characterization of Widespread Sandy Surface Sediments in the Great Indian Desert, Thar: Implications for Provenance Studies
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rohan , Singh Satinder Pal , Qasim Abul , Chandrashekhar Azad Kashyap
Published: July 2024

Understanding large desert formation/evolution contributing to regional‐to‐global dust cycles remains a challenge. This study presents the geochemical and Sr‐Nd isotope compositions of 51 surface sediment samples collected from the widespread hyper‐arid Thar Desert in northwestern India. The major objective is to determine sediment provenance for a better understanding of the formation/evolution mechanism of this Great Indian Desert as well as downwind dust contributions toward the Himalayas. The compositionally immature sandy Thar sediments (CIA ∼50 ± 4, WIP ∼49 ± 12, and EuN/Eu* ∼0.80 ± 0.13) are recycled materials derived from the Himalayan orogen and later modified by quartz addition and heavy mineral depletion/sorting processes. The 87Sr/86Sr (0.7259 ± 0.0012 and εNd (−12.5 ± 2.7) in the bulk of these Thar sediments are different from the earlier published compositions of the eolian sand deposits in northwestern India. The subcategories of Thar materials collected from different dune types exposed over different lithologies (Quaternary alluvium vs. Tertiary and Mesozoic sedimentary formations) are geochemically and isotopically indistinguishable, which indicates their cogenetic sources and/or sediment reworking. Thar sediments collected in this study have a predominant Indus origin along with significant contributions from the upwind Ghaggar‐Hakra paleochannels. The Indus sediments are most likely wind‐eroded from the shelf region exposed during the low sea stand of LGM and afterward deglaciation. Considering the new and published data sets, the Sr‐Nd isotope budget of dust deposited in the Himalayan frontal glaciers indicates that atmospheric mineral dust contribution from the upwind Indo‐Gangetic Plain proximal to the Himalayas is at par with dust parcels from distant natural deserts.
In Situ Velocity‐Strain Sensitivity Near the San Jacinto Fault Zone Analyzed Through Train Tremors
Authors: Sheng Yixiao , Brenguier Florent , Mordret Aurélien , Higueret Quentin , Aubert Coralie , Pinzon‐Rincon Laura , Hollis Daniel , Vernon Frank , Wyatt Frank , Ben‐Zion Yehuda
Published: July 2024

We utilize train tremors as P‐wave seismic sources to investigate velocity‐strain sensitivity near the San Jacinto Fault Zone. A dense nodal array deployed at the Piñon Flat Observatory is used to detect and identify repeating train energy emitted from a railway in the Coachella valley. We construct P‐wave correlation functions across the fault zone and estimate the spatially averaged dt/t versus strain sensitivity to be 6.25 × 104. Through numerical simulations, we explore how the sensitivity decays exponentially with depth. The optimal solution reveals a subsurface sensitivity of 1.2 × 105 and a depth decay rate of 0.05 km−1. This sensitivity aligns with previous findings but is toward the higher end, likely due to the fractured fault‐zone rocks. The depth decay rate, previously unreported, is notably smaller than assumed in empirical models. This raises the necessity of further investigations of this parameter, which is crucial to study stress and velocity variations at seismogenic depth.
An Investigation of the Third Harmonic Power Line Emission in the Topside Ionosphere During the Recent Solar Minimum Period
Authors: Liao Li , Zhao Shufan , Ma Zhenhui , Shen Xuhui , Peng Huaiyun , Lu HengXin
Published: July 2024

Power line harmonic radiation (PLHR) events are radiated by electric power systems on the ground at harmonics of the base power system frequency (50 or 60 Hz, depending on the region). We analyze the global third harmonics PLHR at 150 and 180 Hz using electric field data collected by China Seismo‐Electromagnetic Satellite during the recent solar minimum between January 2019 and December 2022. The average frequency spectrum over industrialized areas shows that the third harmonic has a high occurrence rate in the U.S. region, as well as in western China and northern India, but is very low in the European region. In particular, in the China region and the U.S. region, more than 11,000 and 24,000 dayside and nightside third harmonic PLHR events have been detected from 2019 to 2022, respectively. Compared to the 150 Hz PLHR occurrence rate detected above the China region, the 180 Hz PLHR occurrence rate above the U.S. region is higher, which reveals a significant regional difference. In addition, both at nighttime and daytime, the PLHR electric field intensities at 180 Hz are higher than that at 60 Hz above the U.S. region, which is also different from the result above the China region.
Digitizing the Williamstown, Australia Tide‐Gauge Record Back to 1872: Insights Into Changing Extremes
Authors: McInnes Kathleen L. , O’Grady Julian G. , Hague Ben S. , Gregory Rebecca , Hoeke Ron , Trenham Claire , Stephenson Alec
Published: July 2024

For Williamstown tide gauge, at the northern‐most point of Port Phillip Bay (PPB), Melbourne, Victoria, tide registers from 1872 to 1966 and marigrams from 1950 to 1966, were digitized to extend sea‐level records back almost 100 years. Despite some vertical datum issues in the early part of the record, the data set is suitable for extreme sea‐level trend analysis after removal of the annual mean sea level. The newly digitized data was combined with the digital record to produce a combined record from 1872 to 2020. Analysis of this record revealed known problems of siltation of the tide gauge stilling well and associated reduction in tidal range at times during 1880–1895 and 1910–1940. A positive trend in tidal amplitude of 0.41 ± 0.01 mm yr−1 was found over 1966–2020, likely due to reduced hydraulic friction at the narrow entrance to PPB. Extreme sea‐level trends were examined over 1872–2020 for storm tides (the combination of storm surge and tide) after removal of the annual mean, and residuals after subtraction of the predicted tides. A non‐stationary Gumbel distribution with a time‐varying location parameter revealed statistically significant declining trends in the residuals of −0.73 ± 0.02 mm yr−1, consistent with the observed poleward movement of storm surge‐producing mid‐latitude weather systems. For storm tides a smaller declining trend of −0.40 ± 0.01 mm yr−1 was found. These trends are approximately an order of magnitude smaller than the current positive rates of mean sea level rise, meaning that storm tide hazard will continue to increase in the future. This information is relevant for future adaptation planning.
Heart rate variability and cognitive functions in adolescents with complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Toyofuku Asuka , Ehrler Melanie , Naef Nadja , Schmid Alenka S. , Kretschmar Oliver , Latal Beatrice , O’Gorman Tuura Ruth
Published: July 2024

Background

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) originates from the interplay between parasympathetic/sympathetic inputs to the heart, thus serving as an indicator of Autonomic Nervous System regulation. Prior research indicates that decreased HRV, marked by reduced autonomic balance, is related to poorer cognitive performance. While the population with congenital heart disease (CHD) show changes in HRV linked with the heart defect, the association between HRV and cognitive functions in CHD remains unexplored.

Methods

46 adolescents with CHD who went through infant open-heart surgery and 64 healthy controls (50.9% males, 12.8 ± 1.4 years) underwent neurodevelopmental testing and photoplethysmograph acquisition. Group differences and associations with cognitive functions were analysed with linear regression. P values were FDR-corrected.

Results

Adolescents with CHD showed lower HRV (quantified by high-frequency power) compared to controls (p < 0.001). Lower HRV was correlated with worse executive function (β = 0.24, p = 0.044) and lower IQ (β = 0.26, p = 0.010) in the whole sample and with lower IQ (β = 0.35, p = 0.014) in the CHD group. These associations were robust to confounders, including age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate an association between HRV and cognitive functions in adolescents with complex CHD. Early detection of alterations in HRV/autonomic regulation may help to identify children with CHD at risk for cognitive impairments.

Impact

Adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) showed lower heart rate variability (HRV), indicating an imbalanced autonomic nervous system.

Lower HRV was associated with lower IQ and executive function (EF) in the whole sample.

The association between HRV and IQ was significantly stronger in CHD than in healthy controls.

This study provides the first evidence of a link between altered HRV and cognitive impairments in the CHD population.

Neurodevelopmental impairments seen in adolescents with CHD could be linked to their altered cardiac autonomic nervous activity, marked by low HRV.
DAP3 promotes mitochondrial activity and tumour progression in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating MT-ND5 expression
Authors: Tan Siyu , Zhang Xiao , Guo Xiaowei , Pan Guoqiang , Yan Lunjie , Ding Ziniu , Li Ruizhe , Wang Dongxu , Yan Yuchuan , Dong Zhaoru , Li Tao
Published: July 2024

Cancer cells often exhibit fragmented mitochondria and dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we found that the mitochondrial protein death-associated protein 3 (DAP3) is localized to mitochondria and promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating mitochondrial function. DAP3 can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo by increasing mitochondrial respiration, inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and slowing cellular senescence. Mechanistically, DAP3 can increase mitochondrial complex I activity in HCC cells by regulating the translation and expression of MT-ND5. The phosphorylation of DAP3 at Ser185 mediated by AKT is the key event mediating the mitochondrial localization and function of DAP3 in HCC cells. In addition, the DAP3 expression in HCC samples is inversely correlated with patient survival. Our results revealed a mechanism by which DAP3 promotes mitochondrial function and HCC progression by regulating MT-ND5 translation and expression, indicating that DAP3 may be a therapeutic target for HCC.
Anti-tau single domain antibodies clear pathological tau and attenuate its toxicity and related functional defects
Authors: Nair Sudershana , Jiang Yixiang , Marchal Isabella S. , Chernobelsky Elizabeth , Huang Huai-Wei , Suh Sarah , Pan Ruimin , Kong Xiang-Peng , Ryoo Hyung Don , Sigurdsson Einar M.
Published: July 2024

Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the presence of tau inclusions. We have developed over fifty anti-tau single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) derived from phage display libraries of a llama immunized with recombinant and pathological tau immunogens. We examined the therapeutic potential of four of these sdAbs in a Drosophila tauopathy model following their transgenic expression either in all neurons or neuronal subtypes. Three of these sdAbs showed therapeutic potential in various assays, effectively clearing pathological tau and attenuating or preventing tau-induced phenotypes that typically manifest as defects in neuronal axonal transport, neurodegeneration, functional impairments, and shortened lifespan. Of these three, one sdAb was superior in every assay, which may at least in part be attributed to its tau-binding epitope. These findings support its development as a gene therapy for tauopathies.
Irrational choices via a curvilinear representational geometry for value
Authors: Jurewicz Katarzyna , Sleezer Brianna J. , Mehta Priyanka S. , Hayden Benjamin Y. , Ebitz R. Becket
Published: July 2024

We make decisions by comparing values, but it is not yet clear how value is represented in the brain. Many models assume, if only implicitly, that the representational geometry of value is linear. However, in part due to a historical focus on noisy single neurons, rather than neuronal populations, this hypothesis has not been rigorously tested. Here, we examine the representational geometry of value in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a part of the brain linked to economic decision-making, in two male rhesus macaques. We find that values are encoded along a curved manifold in vmPFC. This curvilinear geometry predicts a specific pattern of irrational decision-making: that decision-makers will make worse choices when an irrelevant, decoy option is worse in value, compared to when it is better. We observe this type of irrational choices in behavior. Together, these results not only suggest that the representational geometry of value is nonlinear, but that this nonlinearity could impose bounds on rational decision-making.
CRISPR-CasRx-mediated disruption of Aqp1/Adrb2/Rock1/Rock2 genes reduces intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell damage in mice
Authors: Yao Mingyu , Zeng Zhenhai , Li Siheng , Zou Zhilin , Chen Zhongxing , Chen Xinyi , Gao Qingyi , Zhao Guoli , Chen Aodong , Li Zheng , Wang Yiran , Ning Rui , McAlinden Colm , Zhou Xingtao , Huang Jinhai
Published: July 2024

Glaucoma affects approximately 80 million individuals worldwide, a condition for which current treatment options are inadequate. The primary risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure is determined by the balance between the secretion and outflow of aqueous humor. Here we show that using the RNA interference tool CasRx based on shH10 adenovirus-associated virus can reduce the expression of the aqueous humor circulation related genes Rock1 and Rock2, as well as aquaporin 1 and β2 adrenergic receptor in female mice. This significantly reduced intraocular pressure in female mice and provided protection to the retina ganglion cells, ultimately delaying disease progression. In addition, we elucidated the mechanisms by which the knockdown of Rock1 and Rock2, or aquaporin 1 and β2 adrenergic receptor in female mice, reduces the intraocular pressure and secures the retina ganglion cells by single-cell sequencing.
The bearing capacity of asteroid (65803) Didymos estimated from boulder tracks
Authors: Bigot J. , Lombardo P. , Murdoch N. , Scheeres D. J. , Vivet D. , Zhang Y. , Sunshine J. , Vincent J. B. , Barnouin O. S. , Ernst C. M. , Daly R. T. , Sunday C. , Michel P. , Campo-Bagatin A. , Lucchetti A. , Pajola M. , Rivkin A. S. , Chabot N. L.
Published: July 2024

The bearing capacity - the ability of a surface to support applied loads - is an important parameter for understanding and predicting the response of a surface. Previous work has inferred the bearing capacity and trafficability of specific regions of the Moon using orbital imagery and measurements of the boulder tracks visible on its surface. Here, we estimate the bearing capacity of the surface of an asteroid for the first time using DART/DRACO images of suspected boulder tracks on the surface of asteroid (65803) Didymos. Given the extremely low surface gravity environment, special attention is paid to the underlying assumptions of the geotechnical approach. The detailed analysis of the boulder tracks indicates that the boulders move from high to low gravitational potential, and provides constraints on whether the boulders may have ended their surface motion by entering a ballistic phase. From the 9 tracks identified with sufficient resolution to estimate their dimensions, we find an average boulder track width and length of 8.9 $$\pm$$
±
1.5 m and 51.6 $$\pm$$
±
13.3 m, respectively. From the track widths, the mean bearing capacity of Didymos is estimated to be 70 N/m2, implying that every 1 m2 of Didymos’ surface at the track location can support only ~70 N of force before experiencing general shear failure. This value is at least 3 orders of magnitude less than the bearing capacity of dry sand on Earth, or lunar regolith.
Flexible neural population dynamics govern the speed and stability of sensory encoding in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Horrocks Edward A. B. , Rodrigues Fabio R. , Saleem Aman B.
Published: July 2024

Time courses of neural responses underlie real-time sensory processing and perception. How these temporal dynamics change may be fundamental to how sensory systems adapt to different perceptual demands. By simultaneously recording from hundreds of neurons in mouse primary visual cortex, we examined neural population responses to visual stimuli at sub-second timescales, during different behavioural states. We discovered that during active behavioural states characterised by locomotion, single-neurons shift from transient to sustained response modes, facilitating rapid emergence of visual stimulus tuning. Differences in single-neuron response dynamics were associated with changes in temporal dynamics of neural correlations, including faster stabilisation of stimulus-evoked changes in the structure of correlations during locomotion. Using Factor Analysis, we examined temporal dynamics of latent population responses and discovered that trajectories of population activity make more direct transitions between baseline and stimulus-encoding neural states during locomotion. This could be partly explained by dampening of oscillatory dynamics present during stationary behavioural states. Functionally, changes in temporal response dynamics collectively enabled faster, more stable and more efficient encoding of new visual information during locomotion. These findings reveal a principle of how sensory systems adapt to perceptual demands, where flexible neural population dynamics govern the speed and stability of sensory encoding.
Global distribution and drivers of relative contributions among soil nitrogen sources to terrestrial plants
Authors: Hu Chao-Chen , Liu Xue-Yan , Driscoll Avery W. , Kuang Yuan-Wen , Brookshire E. N. Jack , Lü Xiao-Tao , Chen Chong-Juan , Song Wei , Mao Rong , Liu Cong-Qiang , Houlton Benjamin Z.
Published: July 2024

Soil extractable nitrate, ammonium, and organic nitrogen (N) are essential N sources supporting primary productivity and regulating species composition of terrestrial plants. However, it remains unclear how plants utilize these N sources and how surface-earth environments regulate plant N utilization. Here, we establish a framework to analyze observational data of natural N isotopes in plants and soils globally, we quantify fractional contributions of soil nitrate (fNO3-), ammonium (fNH4+), and organic N (fEON) to plant-used N in soils. We find that mean annual temperature (MAT), not mean annual precipitation or atmospheric N deposition, regulates global variations of fNO3-, fNH4+, and fEON. The fNO3- increases with MAT, reaching 46% at 28.5 °C. The fNH4+ also increases with MAT, achieving a maximum of 46% at 14.4 °C, showing a decline as temperatures further increase. Meanwhile, the fEON gradually decreases with MAT, stabilizing at about 20% when the MAT exceeds 15 °C. These results clarify global plant N-use patterns and reveal temperature rather than human N loading as a key regulator, which should be considered in evaluating influences of global changes on terrestrial ecosystems.
A genetic-epigenetic interplay at 1q21.1 locus underlies CHD1L-mediated vulnerability to primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pahlevan Kakhki Majid , Giordano Antonino , Starvaggi Cucuzza Chiara , Venkata S. Badam Tejaswi , Samudyata Samudyata , Lemée Marianne Victoria , Stridh Pernilla , Gkogka Asimenia , Shchetynsky Klementy , Harroud Adil , Gyllenberg Alexandra , Liu Yun , Boddul Sanjaykumar , James Tojo , Sorosina Melissa , Filippi Massimo , Esposito Federica , Wermeling Fredrik , Gustafsson Mika , Casaccia Patrizia , Hillert Jan , Olsson Tomas , Kockum Ingrid , Sellgren Carl M. , Golzio Christelle , Kular Lara , Jagodic Maja
Published: July 2024

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease with an unpredictable course towards progressive disability. Treating progressive MS is challenging due to limited insights into the underlying mechanisms. We examined the molecular changes associated with primary progressive MS (PPMS) using a cross-tissue (blood and post-mortem brain) and multilayered data (genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic) from independent cohorts. In PPMS, we found hypermethylation of the 1q21.1 locus, controlled by PPMS-specific genetic variations and influencing the expression of proximal genes (CHD1L, PRKAB2) in the brain. Evidence from reporter assay and CRISPR/dCas9 experiments supports a causal link between methylation and expression and correlation network analysis further implicates these genes in PPMS brain processes. Knock-down of CHD1L in human iPSC-derived neurons and knock-out of chd1l in zebrafish led to developmental and functional deficits of neurons. Thus, several lines of evidence suggest a distinct genetic-epigenetic-transcriptional interplay in the 1q21.1 locus potentially contributing to PPMS pathogenesis.
Bifurcations in coupled amyloid-β aggregation-inflammation systems
Authors: Chakrabarti Kalyan S. , Bakhtiari Davood , Rezaei-Ghaleh Nasrollah
Published: July 2024

A complex interplay between various processes underlies the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its progressive course. Several lines of evidence point to the coupling between Aβ aggregation and neuroinflammation and its role in maintaining brain homeostasis during the long prodromal phase of AD. Little is however known about how this protective mechanism fails and as a result, an irreversible and progressive transition to clinical AD occurs. Here, we introduce a minimal model of a coupled system of Aβ aggregation and inflammation, numerically simulate its dynamical behavior, and analyze its bifurcation properties. The introduced model represents the following events: generation of Aβ monomers, aggregation of Aβ monomers into oligomers and fibrils, induction of inflammation by Aβ aggregates, and clearance of various Aβ species. Crucially, the rates of Aβ generation and clearance are modulated by inflammation level following a Hill-type response function. Despite its relative simplicity, the model exhibits enormously rich dynamics ranging from overdamped kinetics to sustained oscillations. We then specify the region of inflammation- and coupling-related parameters space where a transition to oscillatory dynamics occurs and demonstrate how changes in Aβ aggregation parameters could shift this oscillatory region in parameter space. Our results reveal the propensity of coupled Aβ aggregation-inflammation systems to oscillatory dynamics and propose prolonged sustained oscillations and their consequent immune system exhaustion as a potential mechanism underlying the transition to a more progressive phase of amyloid pathology in AD. The implications of our results in regard to early diagnosis of AD and anti-AD drug development are discussed.
Evaluation of tribo-mechanical measurements and thermal expansion of Cu-based nanocomposites reinforced by high strength hybrid ceramics
Authors: Zaki Mai Z. , El-Zaidia M. M. , Abomostafa H. M. , Taha Mohammed A.
Published: July 2024

It is known that Copper’s (Cu) electrical conductivity makes it a desirable material for use in industry. Due to poor properties such as hardness, thermal expansion, and corrosion resistance, its applications are limited. This manuscript solves these problems while maintaining no breakdown in electrical conductivity. In this study, high-strength ceramics (SiC nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets) were used as reinforcements in the manufacture of Cu-based hybrid nanocomposites using powder metallurgy technique. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was used to investigate phase composition and crystal size of the milled powders. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively examined the microstructure of the prepared powder powders and sintered nanocomposites. Then, various properties of the sintered samples are measured, including physical, electrical and thermal properties and wear resistance. The obtained XRD technique and TEM images showed decreases in the crystal and particle size of milled samples reaching up to 14.08 and 28.30 nm, respectively for the sample contained 8 vol. % SiC + 0.8 vol. % graphene (SG8). A surprising improvement in the mechanical properties of up to 809.15, 341.84 MPa and 336.56 GPa for microhardness, strength and longitudinal modulus for the sample containing the highest reinforcements, achieving an improvement of up to 122, 61.37 and 41 percent compared to the Cu matrix. Moreover, there was a noticeable improvement in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and wear rate values of the samples by increasing the percentages of hybrid reinforcements in the examined sintered nanocomposite samples. The Sample SG8 recorded the lowest value, decreasing by about 50.2 and 76.5% compared to the SG1 sample. Finally, adding reinforcements to the Cu matrix had a negative effect on the relative density and electrical conductivity, and the lowest values was 92.94% and8.59 × 106 S/m, respectively for the SG sample.
Effect of a harmonic surface pressure on wave propagation over a beach
Authors: Abdelrahman N. S. , Abou-Dina M. S. , Ghaleb A. F.
Published: July 2024

The objective is to study the harmonic forced wave motion over a beach by a finite Fourier transform technique. The constructed approximate solution has a logarithmic singularity at the shoreline. It accounts for reflexion and local perturbations. Trapping of waves may take place for particular choices of the applied surface pressure excess. The case of a wave incident against a cliff with horizontal bottom is solved exactly. The method deals invariably with a variety of bottom shapes, including the case where there is an additional corrugation of the bottom on a finite interval. Other bottom boundary conditions than impermeability can be treated as well. The results may be of interest in several practical applications, in particular the evaluation of the reflected wave. Numerical applications for a plane sloping beach, a parabolic-type beach and a shelf-type beach are presented and the systems of streamlines have been drawn over and in the proximity of the beach.
Demographic and clinical data of patients with spinal epidural angiolipomas
Authors: Lu Taikun , Wang Hao , Liu Yang , Qin Xiaowei , Teng Yongliang , Wang Yubo
Published: July 2024

Spinal epidural angiolipomas are rare, benign, mesenchymal tumors. It remains unclear whether spinal epidural angiolipomas are genuinely rare or merely underreported. Herein, we assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spinal epidural angiolipoma. We collected data from patients with spinal epidural angiolipoma from three sources. First, we retrospectively analyzed data from patients diagnosed with spinal epidural angiolipoma in our hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Second, we performed a literature review of studies retrieved from PubMed. Third, we retrieved detailed data of patients with spinal angiolipoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We conducted a descriptive analysis to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with spinal epidural angiolipoma. At our institution, three patients were diagnosed with spinal epidural angiolipoma. Additionally, we identified 116 patients from the literature review and 15 patients from the SEER database. We reviewed the treatment history and imaging features of the three patients from our institution. The descriptive analysis of the data collected from the literature review was consistent with previous reports. For example, 63.0% of lesions were located at the thoracic level. 31.9% of these lesions involved two vertebral bodies, while 75.6% involved 2–4 vertebral bodies. The most common symptoms experienced by patients were back pain, paraparesis, and numbness in the legs. Surgery was the primary treatment option for most patients, and complete tumor resection was achieved in the majority of patients. The male:female ratio was 1:1.4, the median age at diagnosis for the patients from the literature was 49 years old, and the median follow-up was 24 months. Notably, most of the reports came from Asia and there were few reports from Africa. The findings from the SEER database indicated a male:female ratio of 2:1. The peak incidence, which is typically reported in the fifth decade of life, was not observed. We presented three cases of spinal epidural angiolipoma and supplemented our findings with a literature review and population-based analysis according to the SEER database for the United States population. We believe that our research will enhance clinicians’ comprehension of this uncommon tumor.
A geometric approach for accelerating neural networks designed for classification problems
Authors: Saffar Mohsen , Kalhor Ahmad , Habibnia Ali
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a geometric-based technique for compressing convolutional neural networks to accelerate computations and improve generalization by eliminating non-informative components. The technique utilizes a geometric index called separation index to evaluate the functionality of network elements such as layers and filters. By applying this index along with center-based separation index, a systematic algorithm is proposed that optimally compresses convolutional and fully connected layers. The algorithm excludes layers with low performance, selects the best subset of filters in the filtering layers, and tunes the parameters of fully connected layers using center-based separation index. An illustrative example of classifying CIFAR-10 dataset is presented to explain the algorithm step-by-step. The proposed method achieves impressive pruning results on networks trained by CIFAR-10 and ImageNet datasets, with 87.5%, 77.6%, and 78.8% of VGG16, GoogLeNet, and DenseNet parameters pruned, respectively. Comparisons with state-of-the-art works are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Predictors of suicidal ideation in Italian veterinarians
Authors: Varallo Giorgia , Zagaria Andrea , Baldini Valentina , Schianchi Alessandro , Brscic Marta , Panero Matteo , Franceschini Christian , Schimmenti Adriano , Musetti Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Suicide represents a significant problem for healthcare professionals such as veterinarians. Previous studies showed that contextual and individual risk factors can contribute to suicidality among veterinarians. In the present study, self-report measures on exposure to animal euthanasia, substance abuse, reflective functioning, and suicidal ideation were administered to 1556 Italian veterinarians aged 24–74 years old. Structural equation modelling revealed that failures in reflective functioning and substance abuse were associated with suicidal ideation. Prevention programs focusing on improving reflective functioning and decreasing substance abuse might reduce suicide risk among veterinarians.
Correction: Influence of the preparation method on Ni/SiO2 catalysts for selective hydrogenation of succinic anhydride to γ-butyrolactone
Authors: Bao An , Chen Chenju , Tao Huiqin , Yang Baigang , Lai Huirong , Zhang Chunlei
Published: July 2024

Correction for ‘Influence of the preparation method on Ni/SiO2 catalysts for selective hydrogenation of succinic anhydride to γ-butyrolactone’ by An Bao et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2024, 14, 3936–3944, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CY00097H.
Laser polarization as a critical factor in the SERS-based molecular sensing performance of nano-gapped Au nanowires
Authors: Roa Simón , Kaihara Terunori , Pedano María Laura , Parsamyan Henrik , Vavassori Paolo
Published: July 2024

An interesting paradigm that demonstrates the determining role of laser polarization incidence angle in the Raman signal enhancement in nano-gapped Au nanowires is reported, showing its key role in the SERS-based molecular sensing efficiency.
On-receptor computing with classical associative learning in semiconductor oxide memristors
Authors: Ju Dongyeol , Lee Jungwoo , Kim Sungjun
Published: July 2024

The exploration of on-receptor computing in Pt/IGZO/SnOx/TiN memristors integrated both synaptic and nociceptor functionalities, with Pavlovian conditioning examined, paving the way for various future applications.
Multielectron transfer and field-induced slow magnetic relaxation in opto-electroactive spin crossover cobalt(ii) complexes: structure–function correlations
Authors: Rabelo Renato , Toma Luminita , Julve Miguel , Lloret Francesc , Pasán Jorge , Cangussu Danielle , Ruiz-García Rafael , Cano Joan
Published: July 2024

A unique series of spin-crossover cobalt(ii)-pyridine-2,6-dimine molecular nanomagnets as prototypes of molecular spin quantum transitors and capacitors exhibiting a dual metal- and ligand-centred multielectron redox behaviour is reported.
Z-shaped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with embedded five-membered rings and their application in organic thin-film transistors
Authors: Elbert Sven M. , Bolgert Evelin , Paine Owen T. A. , Ghalami Farhad , Zhang Wen-Shan , Zschieschang Ute , Rominger Frank , Popp Dennis , Klauk Hagen , Elstner Marcus , Mastalerz Michael
Published: July 2024

Z-shaped polycyclic hydrocarbons with embedded five-membered rings as well as their diaza-analogues have been synthesized and showed charge carrier mobilities up to 0.4 cm2 V−1 s−1 in organic p-channel thin-film transistors.
Towards continuous flow manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients in Africa: a perspective
Authors: Nqeketo Sinazo , Sagandira Cloudius R.
Published: July 2024

Building start-of-the-art, sustainable and competitive local API manufacturing in Africa using continuous flow technology.
Evidence-Based Practices for Evaluating Preschoolers Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing Using Listening and Spoken Language for Special Education Eligibility
Authors: Carden Kameron C. , Blaiser Kristina M. , Brooks Betsy Moog , McWilliam R. A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Many young children who are deaf/hard of hearing (D/HH) using listening and spoken language (LSL) demonstrate improved spoken language outcomes. Anecdotally, one cascading effect of these improved outcomes is that many children are not qualifying for continued services at the age of 3 years during the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 Part C to Part B transition due to norm-referenced language performance within the average range. Although norm-referenced performance is one metric for determining language delay and is heavily relied on by educational teams, these siloed measures do not reflect listening, language, and learning demands of a typical preschool classroom. This tutorial highlights the research-to-practice gap currently existing in school-based contexts when evaluating a young child who is D/HH using LSL for special education services.

Conclusions:

An evidence-based framework for ecologically valid, school-based evaluations during the transition period from IDEA (2004) Part C to Part B for young children who are D/HH using LSL between 30 and 35 months of age is presented that balances sensitivity with feasibility. With a particular emphasis on assessment practices for spoken language, the framework connects the purpose of special education eligibility evaluations with evidence-based practice guidance from the literature.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26359642