bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous melatonin mitigates saline‐alkali stress by decreasing DNA oxidative damage and enhancing photosynthetic carbon metabolism in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) leaves
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Shen Wanzheng , Gu Yanhua , Hu Jiachen , Ma Yue , Zhang Xinlin , Du Yanli , Zhang Yuxian , Du Jidao
Published: August 2023

Saline‐alkali stress (SS) is a common abiotic stress affecting crop cultivation worldwide, seriously inhibiting plant growth and biomass accumulation. Melatonin has been proven to relieve the inhibition of multiple abiotic stresses on plant growth. Therefore, soybean cultivars Heihe 49 (HH49, SS‐tolerant) and Henong 95 (HN95, SS‐sensitive) were pot‐cultured in SS soil and then treated with 300 μM melatonin at the V1 stage, when the first trifoliate leaves were fully unfolded, to investigate if melatonin has an effect on SS. SS increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in soybean leaves and thereby induced DNA oxidative damage. In addition, SS retarded cell growth and decreased the mesophyll cell size, chloroplast number, photosynthetic pigment content, which further reduced the light energy capture and electron transport rate in soybean leaves, and affected carbohydrate accumulation and metabolism. However, melatonin treatment reduced SS‐induced ROS accumulation in the soybean leaves by increasing antioxidant content and oxidase activity. Effective removal of ROS reduced SS‐induced DNA oxidative damage in the soybean leaf genome, which was represented by decreased random‐amplified polymorphic DNA polymorphism, 8‐hydroxy‐20‐deoxyguanine content, and relative density of apurinic/apyrimidinic‐sites. Melatonin treatment also increased the volume of mesophyll cells, the numbers of chloroplast and starch grains, the contents of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids in soybean seedling leaves treated with SS, thereby increasing the efficiency of effective light capture and electron transfer and improving photosynthesis. Subsequently, carbohydrate accumulation and metabolism in soybean leaves under SS were improved by melatonin treatment, which contributes to providing basic substances and energy for cell growth and metabolism, ultimately improving soybean SS tolerance.
Status and expertise: A typology of US presidential transition team members
Authors: Brown Heath
Published: August 2023

Despite advising on thousands of important decisions, who serves on presidential transition teams in the United States is largely unknown. The secretive and transient nature of transition planning explains why this is the case, but also reinforces why it is important to have a better understanding of who a president‐elect might choose at this critical moment of the transfer of power. This article develops a theory of the transition team as well as a typology based on two factors: expertise and status. Original interviews with members of the 2020–2021 Biden–Harris transition team then demonstrate the utility of this typology for better understanding the transition period.
Progress in research on the role played by myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in liver diseases
Authors: Sun Qianqian , Dai Heng , Wang Siliang , Chen Yuanyuan , Shi Huilian
Published: August 2023

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) refer to a group of immature myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive capacity upon activation by pathological conditions. Because of their potent immunosuppressive ability, MDSCs have garnered extensive attention in the past few years in the fields of oncology, infection, chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Research on MDSCs in liver diseases has gradually increased, and their potential therapeutic roles will be further explored. This review presents a summary of the involvement and the role played by MDSCs in liver diseases, thus identifying their potential targets for the treatment of liver diseases and providing new directions for liver disease‐related research.
Effects of 2‐year dietary and physical activity intervention on cognition in children—a nonrandomized controlled trial
Authors: Naveed Sehrish , Sallinen Taisa , Eloranta Aino‐Maija , Skog Hannamari , Jalkanen Henna , Brage Soren , Ekelund Ulf , Pentikäinen Heikki , Savonen Kai , Lakka Timo A. , Haapala Eero A.
Published: August 2023

Background and Objective

We investigated the effects of a combined dietary and PA intervention on cognition in children and whether changes in diet quality, PA, sedentary behavior (SB), and sedentary time (ST) are associated with changes in cognition.

Methods

We conducted a 2‐year nonrandomized controlled trial in 504 children aged 6–9 years at baseline. The children were allocated to a combined dietary and PA intervention group (n = 237) or a control group (n = 160) without blinding.

Interventions

The children and their parents allocated to the intervention group had six dietary counseling sessions of 30–45 min and six PA counseling sessions of 30–45 min during the 2‐year intervention period. The children were also encouraged to participate in after‐school exercise clubs. Cognition was assessed by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. We assessed dietary factors by 4 days food records and computed the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) as a measure of diet quality. PA and ST were assessed by a combined heart rate and body movement monitor, types of PA and SB by a questionnaire.

Results

The intervention had no effect on cognition. Increased BSDS and consumption of low‐fat milk and decreased consumption of red meat and sausages were associated with improved cognition over 2 years. Increased organized sports, ST, and reading were positively, while unsupervised PA, computer use, and writing were negatively associated with cognition.

Conclusion

Combined dietary and PA intervention had no effect on cognition. Improved diet quality and increased organized sports and reading were associated with improved cognition.
Adolescents’ moral reasoning when honesty and loyalty collide
Authors: Shao Shuai , Ribeiro Alessandra Mafra , Fouladirad Saman , Shrestha Claire Marie , Lee Kang , Cameron Catherine Ann
Published: August 2023

According to moral pluralism theory, people practice moral reasoning based on several fundamental dimensions, including honesty and loyalty. As individuals navigate increasingly complex social worlds over development, they may face the dilemmas where honesty collides with loyalty. In the current study, adolescents (15‐ to 18‐year‐olds, N = 203) in a western, multicultural Canadian city read moral dilemmas involving a protagonist learning that an athlete cheated in a sports event. We manipulated the relationship between the protagonist and the cheater (best friends or compatriots) between subjects and the protagonist's responses (telling a loyal lie or the disloyal truth) within subjects. We examined participants’ first‐person behavioral intentions (choices) in the hypothetical dilemmas and third‐party judgments of protagonists’ morality. These adolescents projected that they personally would be more inclined to tell a loyal lie for a friend than their country, but older adolescents were more likely to lie for their country than younger ones. Participants judged telling disloyal truths to expose a friend significantly less favorably than disloyal truths to expose a country. These adolescents reflected upon loyalty and caring, honesty and fairness, and nonmoral practical factors when justifying their choices and judgments. The current study advances our understanding of moral development by revealing that with sophisticated social‐cognitive capacities, adolescents can coordinate different fundamental moral values when rendering their moral reasoning.
Detecting acoustic chirality with matched metamaterial vortex wave antennas
Authors: Rohde Charles A. , Naify Christina J.
Published: August 2023

Acoustic communications often have limited data rates because of the intrinsically low frequencies. Exploring new spatial modes to increase data bandwidth at fixed frequency is a possible solution to this problem. Here, we demonstrate acoustic wave chirality transmission between two reciprocal metamaterial vortex wave antennas, generating and sensing transmitted acoustic wave chirality through the sub-wavelength geometry of the system. By adding an acoustic leaky wave surface to a ring resonator waveguide, acoustic vortex waves with positive or negative integer mode chirality are independently radiated and detected using a small number of microphones. Through computational simulation and experimental verification, using three-dimensional printed waveguides, we show that the vortex mode chirality can be transferred between two opposing acoustic vortex wave antennas across a small unguided air gap. We also show that emission into an external waveguide can provide long distance data transmission. This demonstrates the first use of metamaterial vortex wave antennas as chiral, mode multi-channel data transceivers.
Prosodic and durational influences on the formant dynamics of Japanese vowels
Authors: Tanner James
Published: August 2023

The relationship between prosodic structure and segmental realisation is a central question within phonetics. For vowels, this has been typically examined in terms of duration, leaving largely unanswered how prosodic boundaries influence spectral realisation. This study examines the influence of prosodic boundary strength—as well as duration and pauses—on vowel dynamics in spontaneous Japanese. While boundary strength has a marginal effect on dynamics, increased duration and pauses result in greater vowel peripherality and spectral change. These findings highlight the complex relationship between prosodic and segmental structure, and illustrate the importance of multifactorial analysis in corpus research.
“It’s Like Coming Out of the Cave Into the Light”: The Role of Literacy Integration in Physical Education
Authors: Wickens Corrine , Parker Jenny
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine pedagogies of teacher socialization for physical education teacher education candidates through the context of literacy integration. Method: We situated our data collection in qualitative case study methodology, emphasizing data from focus group interviews conducted during the final month of physical education teacher education candidates’ programs. Results: We demonstrate three primary insights and/or adjustments to their perceptions about literacy integration in physical education settings: (a) Literacy integration should support physical education objectives, (b) literacy integration could be easily implemented in a myriad of ways and for different age groups, and (c) literacy integration can improve student learning and outcomes. Discussion/Conclusion: Extending current teacher socialization literature, we emphasize three factors instrumental in shifting physical education teacher education candidate subjective theories and beliefs: movement-oriented literacy activities, reflection, and experiential applications.
Structural basis of histone H2A lysine 119 deubiquitination by Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase BAP1/ASXL1
Authors: Thomas Jonathan F. , Valencia-Sánchez Marco Igor , Tamburri Simone , Gloor Susan L. , Rustichelli Samantha , Godínez-López Victoria , De Ioannes Pablo , Lee Rachel , Abini-Agbomson Stephen , Gretarsson Kristjan , Burg Jonathan M. , Hickman Allison R. , Sun Lu , Gopinath Saarang , Taylor Hailey F. , Sun Zu-Wen , Ezell Ryan J. , Vaidya Anup , Meiners Matthew J. , Cheek Marcus A. , Rice William J. , Svetlov Vladimir , Nudler Evgeny , Lu Chao , Keogh Michael-Christopher , Pasini Diego , Armache Karim-Jean
Published: August 2023

Histone H2A lysine 119 (H2AK119Ub) is monoubiquitinated by Polycomb repressive complex 1 and deubiquitinated by Polycomb repressive deubiquitinase complex (PR-DUB). PR-DUB cleaves H2AK119Ub to restrict focal H2AK119Ub at Polycomb target sites and to protect active genes from aberrant silencing. The PR-DUB subunits (BAP1 and ASXL1) are among the most frequently mutated epigenetic factors in human cancers. How PR-DUB establishes specificity for H2AK119Ub over other nucleosomal ubiquitination sites and how disease-associated mutations of the enzyme affect activity are unclear. Here, we determine a cryo-EM structure of human BAP1 and the ASXL1 DEUBAD in complex with a H2AK119Ub nucleosome. Our structural, biochemical, and cellular data reveal the molecular interactions of BAP1 and ASXL1 with histones and DNA that are critical for restructuring the nucleosome and thus establishing specificity for H2AK119Ub. These results further provide a molecular explanation for how >50 mutations in BAP1 and ASXL1 found in cancer can dysregulate H2AK119Ub deubiquitination, providing insight into understanding cancer etiology.
On-chip generation of single-photon circularly polarized single-mode vortex beams
Authors: Liu Xujing , Kan Yinhui , Kumar Shailesh , Komisar Danylo , Zhao Changying , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I.
Published: August 2023

Generation of single photons carrying spin and orbital angular momenta (SAM and OAM) opens enticing perspectives for exploiting multiple degrees of freedom for high-dimensional quantum systems. However, on-chip generation of single photons encoded with single-mode SAM-OAM states has been a major challenge. Here, by using carefully designed anisotropic nanodimers fabricated atop a substrate, supporting surface plasmon polariton (SPP) propagation, and accurately positioned around a quantum emitter (QE), we enable nonradiative QE-SPP coupling and the SPP outcoupling into free-space propagating radiation featuring the designed SAM and OAM. We demonstrate on-chip room-temperature generation of well-collimated (divergence < 7.5°) circularly polarized (chirality > 0.97) single-mode vortex beams with different topological charges (𝓁 = 0, 1, and 2) and high single-photon purity,
g
(2)
(0) < 0.15. The developed approach can straightforwardly be extended to produce multiple, differently polarized, single-mode single-photon radiation channels and enable thereby realization of high-dimensional quantum sources for advanced quantum photonic technologies.
What makes low-frequency earthquakes low frequency
Authors: Wang Qing-Yu , Frank William B. , Abercrombie Rachel E. , Obara Kazushige , Kato Aitaro
Published: August 2023

Low-frequency earthquakes, atypical seismic events distinct from regular earthquakes, occur downdip of the seismogenic megathrust where an aseismic rheology dominates the subduction plate boundary. Well situated to provide clues on the slip regime of this unique faulting environment, their distinctive waveforms reflect either an unusual rupture process or unusually strong attenuation in their source zone. We take advantage of the unique geometry of seismicity in the Nankai Trough to isolate the spectral signature of low-frequency earthquakes after correcting for empirically derived attenuation. We observe that low-frequency earthquake spectra are consistent with the classical earthquake model, yet their rupture duration and stress drop are orders of magnitude different from ordinary earthquakes. We conclude their low-frequency nature primarily results from an atypical seismic rupture process rather than near-source attenuation.
The minimal intrinsic stochasticity of constitutively expressed eukaryotic genes is sub-Poissonian
Authors: Weidemann Douglas E. , Holehouse James , Singh Abhyudai , Grima Ramon , Hauf Silke
Published: August 2023

Gene expression inherently gives rise to stochastic variation (“noise”) in the production of gene products. Minimizing noise is crucial for ensuring reliable cellular functions. However, noise cannot be suppressed below a certain intrinsic limit. For constitutively expressed genes, this limit is typically assumed to be Poissonian noise, wherein the variance in mRNA numbers is equal to their mean. Here, we demonstrate that several cell division genes in fission yeast exhibit mRNA variances significantly below this limit. The reduced variance can be explained by a gene expression model incorporating multiple transcription and mRNA degradation steps. Notably, in this sub-Poissonian regime, distinct from Poissonian or super-Poissonian regimes, cytoplasmic noise is effectively suppressed through a higher mRNA export rate. Our findings redefine the lower limit of eukaryotic gene expression noise and uncover molecular requirements for achieving ultralow noise, which is expected to be important for vital cellular functions.
Widespread habitat loss and redistribution of marine top predators in a changing ocean
Authors: Braun Camrin D. , Lezama-Ochoa Nerea , Farchadi Nima , Arostegui Martin C. , Alexander Michael , Allyn Andrew , Bograd Steven J. , Brodie Stephanie , Crear Daniel P. , Curtis Tobey H. , Hazen Elliott L. , Kerney Alex , Mills Katherine E. , Pugh Dylan , Scott James D. , Welch Heather , Young-Morse Riley , Lewison Rebecca L.
Published: August 2023

The Northwest Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are among the fastest warming ocean regions, a trend that is expected to continue through this century with far-reaching implications for marine ecosystems. We examine the distribution of 12 highly migratory top predator species using predictive models and project expected habitat changes using downscaled climate models. Our models predict widespread losses of suitable habitat for most species, concurrent with substantial northward displacement of core habitats >500 km. These changes include up to >70% loss of suitable habitat area for some commercially and ecologically important species. We also identify predicted hot spots of multi-species habitat loss focused offshore of the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts. For several species, the predicted changes are already underway, which are likely to have substantial impacts on the efficacy of static regulatory frameworks used to manage highly migratory species. The ongoing and projected effects of climate change highlight the urgent need to adaptively and proactively manage dynamic marine ecosystems.
Core mitochondrial genes are down-regulated during SARS-CoV-2 infection of rodent and human hosts
Authors: Guarnieri Joseph W. , Dybas Joseph M. , Fazelinia Hossein , Kim Man S. , Frere Justin , Zhang Yuanchao , Soto Albrecht Yentli , Murdock Deborah G. , Angelin Alessia , Singh Larry N. , Weiss Scott L. , Best Sonja M. , Lott Marie T. , Zhang Shiping , Cope Henry , Zaksas Victoria , Saravia-Butler Amanda , Meydan Cem , Foox Jonathan , Mozsary Christopher , Bram Yaron , Kidane Yared , Priebe Waldemar , Emmett Mark R. , Meller Robert , Demharter Sam , Stentoft-Hansen Valdemar , Salvatore Marco , Galeano Diego , Enguita Francisco J. , Grabham Peter , Trovao Nidia S. , Singh Urminder , Haltom Jeffrey , Heise Mark T. , Moorman Nathaniel J. , Baxter Victoria K. , Madden Emily A. , Taft-Benz Sharon A. , Anderson Elizabeth J. , Sanders Wes A. , Dickmander Rebekah J. , Baylin Stephen B. , Wurtele Eve Syrkin , Moraes-Vieira Pedro M. , Taylor Deanne , Mason Christopher E. , Schisler Jonathan C. , Schwartz Robert E. , Beheshti Afshin , Wallace Douglas C.
Published: August 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral proteins bind to host mitochondrial proteins, likely inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and stimulating glycolysis. We analyzed mitochondrial gene expression in nasopharyngeal and autopsy tissues from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In nasopharyngeal samples with declining viral titers, the virus blocked the transcription of a subset of nuclear DNA (nDNA)–encoded mitochondrial OXPHOS genes, induced the expression of microRNA 2392, activated HIF-1α to induce glycolysis, and activated host immune defenses including the integrated stress response. In autopsy tissues from patients with COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 was no longer present, and mitochondrial gene transcription had recovered in the lungs. However, nDNA mitochondrial gene expression remained suppressed in autopsy tissue from the heart and, to a lesser extent, kidney, and liver, whereas mitochondrial DNA transcription was induced and host-immune defense pathways were activated. During early SARS-CoV-2 infection of hamsters with peak lung viral load, mitochondrial gene expression in the lung was minimally perturbed but was down-regulated in the cerebellum and up-regulated in the striatum even though no SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the brain. During the mid-phase SARS-CoV-2 infection of mice, mitochondrial gene expression was starting to recover in mouse lungs. These data suggest that when the viral titer first peaks, there is a systemic host response followed by viral suppression of mitochondrial gene transcription and induction of glycolysis leading to the deployment of antiviral immune defenses. Even when the virus was cleared and lung mitochondrial function had recovered, mitochondrial function in the heart, kidney, liver, and lymph nodes remained impaired, potentially leading to severe COVID-19 pathology.
Formation of a stable RNase Y-RicT (YaaT) complex requires RicA (YmcA) and RicF (YlbF)
Authors: Dubnau Eugenie , DeSantis Micaela , Dubnau David
Published: August 2023

In
Bacillus subtilis
, the RicT (YaaT), RicA (YmcA), and RicF (YlbF) proteins, which form a stable ternary complex, are needed together with RNase Y (Rny) to cleave and thereby stabilize several key transcripts encoding enzymes of intermediary metabolism. We show here that RicT, but not RicA or RicF, forms a stable complex with Rny and that this association requires the presence of RicA and RicF. We propose that RicT is handed off from the ternary complex to Rny. We show further that the two iron-sulfur clusters carried by the ternary Ric complex are required for the formation of the stable RicT-Rny complex. We demonstrate that proteins of the degradosome-like network of
B. subtilis
, which also interact with Rny, are dispensable for processing of the
gapA
operon. Thus, Rny participates in distinct RNA-related processes, determined by its binding partners, and a RicT-Rny complex is likely the functional entity for
gapA
mRNA maturation.

IMPORTANCE

The action of nucleases on RNA is universal and essential for all forms of life and includes processing steps that lead to the mature and functional forms of certain transcripts. In
Bacillus subtilis,
it has been shown that key transcripts for energy-producing steps of glycolysis, for nitrogen assimilation, and for oxidative phosphorylation, all of them crucial processes of intermediary metabolism, are cleaved at specific locations, resulting in mRNA stabilization. The proteins required for these cleavages in
B. subtilis
[Rny (RNase Y), RicA (YmcA), RicF (YlbF), and RicT (YaaT)] are broadly conserved among the firmicutes, including several important pathogens, hinting that regulatory mechanisms they control may also be conserved. Several aspects of these regulatory events have been explored: phenotypes associated with the absence of these proteins have been described, the impact of these absences on the transcriptome has been documented, and there has been significant exploration of the biochemistry and structural biology of Rny and the Ric proteins. The present study further advances our understanding of the association of Ric proteins and Rny and shows that a complex of Rny with RicT is probably the entity that carries out mRNA maturation.
Effects of synthetic peptide RP557 and its origin, LL-37, on carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Song Yun-Qi , Kyung Su Min , Kim Suji , Kim Gun , Lee So Yeong , Yoo Han Sang
Published: August 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a common bacterium in nosocomial infection. The biofilm-forming ability and antimicrobial resistance make
P. aeruginosa
biofilm infection refractory to patients requiring hospitalization, especially patients in the intensive care unit. Therefore, many alternative compounds have been developed. A newly synthesized peptide, RP557, derived from human cathelicidin LL-37, was evaluated for its antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect toward carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
(CRPA). The results showed that regardless of the resistance to carbapenems, the minimal inhibition concentrations of RP557 and LL-37 against
P. aeruginosa
were 32 µg/mL and 256 µg/mL, respectively. Both RP557 and LL-37 significantly reduced the
P. aeruginosa
biofilm mass at subMICs, while subMICs of carbapenems induced biofilm formation. RP557 could also remove approximately 50% of the mature biofilm at a concentration of 64 µg/mL, while 256 µg/mL LL-37 was needed to remove it. A quarter MIC of RP557 and LL-37 was used together with carbapenems (ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem). The results show that both RP-557 and LL-37 might increase the susceptibility to CRPA by 4–16 times. Significant gene expression level changes were observed in RP557- or LL-37-treated CRPA. Confocal images showed that biofilm structures and biofilm cell viability were significantly reduced in the LL-37- or RP557-treated groups. Therefore, RP557 and its structural origin, LL-37, could be potential treatments for carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
infection, especially for chronic biofilm infection.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is one of the major pathogens of nosocomial infection. Combined its biofilm-forming ability with carbapenem-resistance, it is hard to handle
P. aeruginosa
infection, especially for patients requiring hospitalization. Antimicrobial peptide is a type of potential compound for bacterial infection treatment. Among these, RP557 was found effective in inhibiting biofilm previously. By assessing its effect on both carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
planktonic cells and biofilm, our results offered a potential treatment for carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
infection. It could be helpful to treat severe nosocomial infection related to carbapenem-resistant bacteria and increase the patients’ survival rate.
Continuous crustal thinning of the North China Craton in the Early Cretaceous: Evidence from A-type granites
Authors: Li Ao , Yang Wu-Bin , Niu He-Cai , Zeng Ling-Jun , Li Ning-Bo , Hollings Pete
Published: August 2023

Widespread crust-derived granitoids in North China provide evidence of Mesozoic lithospheric thinning and destruction of the North China Craton. However, the link between lower crust and lithospheric mantle reactivation remains poorly understood. We present whole-rock geochemistry and zircon O-Hf isotopes for Early Cretaceous peralkaline A-type granites (i.e., Xiwanzi, Xiangshan, and Yansehu) from the Yanshan Mountains of the eastern block of the North China Craton. The Xiwanzi granite has a U-Pb age of 134.3 ± 0.4 Ma, with homogeneous whole-rock Nd isotopes [εNd(t) = −7.7 to −7.5] but highly variable zircon O-Hf isotopes [δ18O = 5.1‰ to 7.2‰ and εHf(t) = −7.7 to +9.6]. Such isotopic variations likely resulted from a hybrid juvenile source consisting of partial melting of newly underplated basaltic rocks derived from both the metasomatized ancient and juvenile sub-continental lithospheric mantle. In contrast, the Xiangshan (117.4 ± 1.0 Ma) and Yansehu (116.3 ± 1.4 Ma) granites have relatively uniform isotopic compositions [whole-rock εNd(t) = −12.2 to −10.8, zircon δ18O = 5.2‰ to 6.4‰, and εHf(t) = −17.1 to −4.7], close to those of the Proterozoic mafic granulite xenoliths from the ancient lower crust. The isotopic variations of the Early Cretaceous A-type granites suggest a continuous change in the melting model from the underplated juvenile lowermost crust to the overlying ancient lower crust at high temperatures in an extensional environment. Our results indicate that A-type granites can be used to probe the nature and reactivation of the lower crust of an Archean craton. Significantly, large-scale continuous thinning of lower continental crust provides key insights into the generation of the widespread Mesozoic crust-derived granitoids in North China.
Supplemental Material: Prolonged and gradual recovery of metazoan-algal reefs following the end-Permian mass extinction
Authors: Kelley Brian M. , al. et
Published: August 2023

 Statistical analyses and tables.  
Supplemental Material: Pleistocene Sunda Shelf submersion-exposure cycles initiate vegetation Walker Circulation feedback
Authors: McGrath Sarah M. , al. et
Published: August 2023

Detailed descriptions of the methods. 
Paleocene Glauconite of the Near-Volga Monocline of Submarine Volcanic Sedimentary Genesis
Authors: Nikulin Iv. Iv. , Boeva N. M. , Soboleva S. V. , Bortnikov N. S.
Published: August 2023

A new concept of the formation of glauconite from the Paleocene deposits of the sedimentary cover of the southwestern part of the Near-Volga monocline is presented. It was formed as a result of halmyrolysis of ash material in lake conditions. Glauconitization is confined to the Paleogene thermal maximum and the periphery of active volcanism along the entire mobile belt. In this connection, it is widely distributed in the Paleogene deposits. Structural and crystal-chemical features of glauconite, stages of crystallization of its aggregates, paragenetic associations with smectite, kaolinite, and zeolite, as well as the presence of ore minerals indicate its authigenic origin. The authigenic origin is confined to the formations of temporary, episodically submerging shallow marine basins. An applied scheme of discrimination of glauconites by their crystallochemical features has been developed. The discrimination diagram can be used to determine the specific conditions of the sedimentation basin, which are expressed in the progradation cycles of glauconite accumulation. The cycles were controlled by induced depressions within the Russian plate.
Cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury during treatment of interstitial lung disease in juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Costin Christopher
Published: August 2023

A middle-childhood aged girl with recently diagnosed MDA5+ juvenile dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial lung disease presented with diffuse abdominal pain and scleral icterus following the initiation of cyclophosphamide therapy. A laboratory workup revealed elevated liver enzymes and hyperbilirubinaemia. She was admitted for worsening liver function, and all medications were held with concern for drug-induced liver injury. A workup for infectious and autoimmune causes of transaminitis was negative. A liver biopsy revealed diffuse apoptotic cells without evidence of portal obstruction. A diagnosis of cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury was made. She was initiated on intravenous methylprednisolone with a steroid taper, leading to recovery. Cyclophosphamide was replaced by tofacitinib and abatacept for control of interstitial lung disease, which was well tolerated. Although cyclophosphamide in high doses may cause sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, hepatocellular liver injury is rare. Here to our knowledge, we present the first case report of hepatocellular injury caused by intravenous cyclophosphamide in a paediatric patient with a rheumatic condition.
Digital Archiving of the Spatial Experience of Cultural Heritage Sites with Ancient Lighting
Authors: Tai Nan-Ching
Published: August 2023

Although adaptive reuse has made the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of architectural heritage sites possible due to the revenue generated by the new program, it has unfortunately induced unavoidable renovations that have altered the original design. Consequently, while the physical configuration of an architectural scene of a heritage site can be preserved and restored to mimic how it looked in the past, how to experience it as rendered with the original lighting design that might no longer be available. With the advancement of technologies related to High Dynamic Range Imaging, light models of various ancient illumination can be reconstructed and used as lighting sources for the virtual environment. Although ancient light sources can now be preserved in this digital form, this technique falls short of preserving the real visual perception of the significant canonical scene of cultural heritage with the originally intended lighting. This study proposes a conceptual framework for the digital archiving of the perceptual realism of the original lighting scheme of an architectural heritage site. The Taiwanese folk religion temples were included in a case study to demonstrate the framework; the study investigated how to identify the discrepancy between the scene-based lighting from the past and that of the current period due to adaptive reuse; further, this study determined the systematic method to select the canonical view that can best invoke the memorial spatial experience of the historical space; additionally, this study provides a case report of the restoration of past lighting with candles made with ancient recipes that were recovered from the field study, and the computational process of documenting scene-based lighting with related technologies using high dynamic range imaging. Finally, the researcher of this study conducted two perceptual experiments. The results of the first experiment demonstrated that the pattern of light and dark induced by the daylight falling into the courtyard plays a significant role regarding the viewers’ preference of the canonical scene of the traditional temple. The second experiment further demonstrated canonical views of three temples illuminated with artificial light, modern candlelight, and ancient candlelight, with ancient lighting being the preferred option of viewers.
The Effect of Muqarnas on Acoustic Quality of Traditional Turkish Bath Interior Space
Authors: Agirbas Asli , Yildiz Enes
Published: August 2023

Decorative “muqarnas” add charm to the design element and may influence the characteristics of an interior space. This study hypothesises that muqarnas in traditional Turkish baths
(hammams)
affect acoustic performances of such interior spaces. To test this hypothesis, a bath with muqarnas as the dome transition element was selected and a comparative study, in terms of acoustics quality with and without the decorative muqarnas, was conducted. Furthermore, the effect of different muqarnas configurations on acoustic quality of the interior space has been tested via optimisation simulations. With the use of optimisation model, a form of parametric muqarnas in the selected interior space was optimised according to the acoustic objectives. The optimisation tests were conducted with the objectives of increasing C
50
(Clarity), C
80,
Reverberation Time (RT), Speech Transmission Index (STI), and decreasing RT. It was found that muqarnas do have an impact on acoustic performance of the interior space and the optimisation experiments suggest that different muqarnas configurations have different impact on the acoustic quality.
I Am an Earphone and I Can Hear My User’s Face: Facial Landmark Tracking Using Smart Earphones
Authors: Zhang Shijia , Lu Taiting , Zhou Hao , Liu Yilin , Liu Runze , Gowda Mahanth
Published: August 2023

This article presents
EARFace
, a system that shows the feasibility of tracking facial landmarks for 3D facial reconstruction using in-ear acoustic sensors embedded within smart earphones. This enables a number of applications in the areas of facial expression tracking, user interfaces, AR/VR applications, affective computing, and accessibility, among others. Although conventional vision-based solutions break down under poor lighting and occlusions, and also suffer from privacy concerns, earphone platforms are robust to ambient conditions while being privacy-preserving. In contrast to prior work on earable platforms that perform outer-ear sensing for facial motion tracking,
EARFace
shows the feasibility of completely in-ear sensing with a natural earphone form factor, thus enhancing the comfort levels of wearing. The core intuition exploited by
EARFace
is that the shape of the ear canal changes due to the movement of facial muscles during facial motion.
EARFace
tracks the changes in shape of the ear canal by measuring ultrasonic channel frequency response of the inner ear, ultimately resulting in tracking of the facial motion. A transformer-based machine learning model is designed to exploit spectral and temporal relationships in the ultrasonic channel frequency response data to predict the facial landmarks of the user with an accuracy of 1.83 mm. Using these predicted landmarks, a 3D graphical model of the face that replicates the precise facial motion of the user is then reconstructed. Domain adaptation is further performed by adapting the weights of layers using a group-wise and differential learning rate. This decreases the training overhead in
EARFace
. The transformer-based machine learning model runs on smart phone devices with a processing latency of 13 ms and an overall low power consumption profile. Finally, usability studies indicate higher levels of comforts of wearing
EARFace
’s earphone platform in comparison with alternative form factors.
Challenges for AI Regulation in Health and for Healthcare Organizations: Notes from the University of Florida's NSF-Sponsored Workshop on AI Governance
Authors: Prosperi Mattia , Bian Jiang , Harle Christopher Albert , Wang Mo , Lee Gwen , Li Yixuan , Stiglic Gregor , Kleesiek Jens , Pongtriang Praditporn , Veltri Pierangelo
Published: August 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted human life at many levels, entailing economic and societal changes. AI algorithms are increasingly used by organizations to generate predictions that feed into decisions (e.g., who is eligible for insurance coverage, approved for bank loans, selected for job interviews). Since the data used for developing the algorithms can contain bias such as gender or racial prejudice, AI predictions can become discriminatory. For-profit and not-for-profit organizations face the hurdles of developing, applying, and maintaining governance of AI, making sure that goal optimization responds to ethical and fairness values.
Efficient Stochastic Optimization Algorithms with Specific Bioinformatics Applications
Authors: Bumin Aysegul
Published: August 2023

Large scale stochastic optimization is at the core of machine learning and plays an important role in solving optimization problems in bioinformatics. Most of the existing algorithms are based on stochastic gradient descent (SGD), a conceptually simple algorithm that works reasonably well in practice. However, it also suffers from a slow convergence rate and requires manual tuning for best performance. This research focuses on developing stochastic proximal algorithms and improving them further for specific applications in bioinformatics, e.g. drug repurposing. The goal is to 1) make the per-iteration complexity efficient and 2) benefit from the structure of the missing data and external information available. Upon successfully being conducted, it greatly benefits the field of optimization, machine learning and bioinformatics.
Using Hybrid Bioimaging Analysis for Rare Neurological Diseases
Authors: Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Tradigo Giuseppe , Vizza Patrizia
Published: August 2023

Hybrid PET/MRI is a promising new approach for simultaneously investigating the relationships between intrinsic metabolic and functional brain changes. In this abstract, we present an analysis workflow for longitudinal PET/MRI studies in rare neurological diseases. We envision that software tools based on the presented workflow can be used to evaluate progressive disease-related volumetric, functional, and metabolic alterations. Furthermore, it could be useful for characterize degenerative pathologies with fast dynamics. Our main contribution is the use of multimodal hybrid PET/MRI data fusion to identify potential markers of disease progression, which could support physicians in future trials to test disease-modifying drugs.
Design of a Novel NNs Learning Tracking Controller for Robotic Manipulator with Joints Flexibility
Authors: Jia Pengxiao
Published: August 2023

The precise tracking control problem for the robotic manipulator with flexible joints, subjected to system uncertainties and external disturbances, is addressed. A novel control scheme is presented that does not use link velocity measurements and high-order derivatives of the link states. The control scheme employs neural networks-based observers to estimate both motor velocity and link velocity. By using the virtually applied torque, the link controller is designed based on rigid link dynamics, and the motor controller is designed using the dynamic surface control technique. The proposed control scheme can guarantee that all the signals in the closed-loop system are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded, and the tracking error eventually converges to a small neighborhood around zero. The simulation results confirm our theoretical analysis, and a comparison study demonstrates the advantages of the proposed control scheme compared to the standard DSC method.
Energy-Environmental One-Year Dynamic Simulation and Ranking Analysis of Using Flat Plate Solar Water Heater to Supply the Heating Demand of an Apartment in the USA: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mohamadi Janaki Daryosh , Kiani Harchegani Ehsan , Rezaei Tayebeh , Bakhtdehkordi Mohammadreza
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, owing to the increasing demand for water heating, solar water heaters (SWHs) are an appropriate alternative to heating based on fossil or electric fuels. Solar heating has received a lot of attention due to its reduction of environmental pollution and ensuring future energy security. Moreover, it is cost-effective in the long run. Given the importance of the above, there is a lack of a comprehensive review of the potential for heat supply at the residential scale in different US states. In addition, finding the most suitable place to use SWHs has not been studied so far. Therefore, in the present work, for the first time, the energy-environmental assessment of 50 US state centers during a one-year period has been done using TSOL commercial software. Furthermore, using step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) computational methods, the weighting of criteria and ranking of studied stations were performed, respectively. The results indicated that of the eight parameters studied, the parameters “total solar fraction” and “solar contribution to domestic hot water” have the highest and lowest final normalized weight, respectively. Moreover, the WASPAS method using the decision matrix showed that Phoenix, Santa Fe, and Tallahassee stations are the top 3 stations in terms of using SWHs, respectively, and Juneau, Olympia, and Montpelier stations are three inappropriate stations in this regard, respectively. The VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR), intelligent transportation system deployment analysis system (IDAS), and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods also validated the results of the present work, which were completely consistent. The results of the economic analysis revealed that the Santa Fe station with the price of each kW of energy produced at $0.021 has the cheapest solar heat generation.
Pathology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Tumor-Bearing Liver Tissue in Association with hTERT Promoter Mutation
Authors: Fischer Anne Kristin , Semaan Alexander , Wulf Anna-Lena , Vokuhl Christian , Goltz Diane , Fischer Hans-Peter
Published: August 2023

Background. The hTERT promoter mutation represents a common and early event in hepatocarcinogenesis, but its linkage to the morphological status of the underlying liver tissue is poorly understood. We analyzed the connection between the histopathological changes in tumor-bearing liver tissue and the occurrence of the hTERT promoter mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), correlated with clinical data. Methods. The study cohort comprised 160 histologically confirmed HCC in patients with or without cirrhosis that were investigated for the hTERT promoter mutation. We evaluated the frequency of the hTERT promoter mutation in patients with HCC with or without cirrhosis and correlated it with potential clinical and histopathological drivers. In particular, we examined tumor-bearing noncirrhotic liver tissue regarding inflammation; the modified histological activity index (mHAI), fibrosis, and steatosis; and its correlation with the frequency of the hTERT promoter mutation in HCC. We evaluated overall survival with multivariate Cox regression. Furthermore, we compared hTERT antibody immunohistochemistry and molecular hTERT promoter mutation analysis of both HCC and background liver tissue. Results. The hTERT promoter mutation was especially related to HCC in cirrhotic compared with noncirrhotic liver (

p
<
0.001

) and independently of cirrhosis in

patients
≥
60

years (

p
=
0.005

). Furthermore, the hTERT promoter mutation was associated with cirrhosis caused by alcohol toxicity and hepatitis C virus infection. In noncirrhotic liver tissue, the frequency of hTERT-promoter-mutated HCC increased with the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. Nevertheless, 25% of the hTERT-promoter-mutated HCC developed in normal liver tissue without HCC risk factors. Multivariate Cox regression analysis did not reveal an influence of the hTERT promoter mutation in HCC on overall survival at 3, 5, and 16 years. Immunohistochemical analysis with the hTERT antibodies LS-B95 and 2D8 in hTERT-promoter-mutated HCC and hTERT-wildtype HCC showed a mildly stronger immunoreaction compared with the tumor-bearing liver tissue (LS-B95:

p
<
0.01

, 2D8:

p
<
0.01

). Conclusions. Our study reveals a connection between pathological changes in tumor-bearing liver tissue and the hTERT promoter mutation in most HCC, even in noncirrhotic liver tissue. Immunohistochemical hTERT antibodies do not discriminate between hTERT-promoter-mutated and wildtype HCC.
Efficacy and Safety of Hybrid Comprehensive Telerehabilitation (HCTR) for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Zheming , Jia Xiaodong , Li Jiayin , Mei Zhu , Yang Lin , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: August 2023

Backgrounds. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious condition that poses threats to patients’ quality of life and life expectancy. Cardiac rehabilitation is a crucial treatment option that can improve outcomes for CVD patients. Hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR) is a relatively new approach. In the context of pandemics, HCTR can minimize the risk of cluster infections by reducing hospital visits while delivering effective rehabilitation care. This study is aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of HCTR as a secondary prevention measure for CVD patients compared to usual rehabilitation care. Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, The Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO for all related studies up to January 20, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of potentially eligible articles based on the predefined search criteria. Data were analyzed using a comprehensive meta-analysis software (RevMan5.3). Results. Eight trials, involving 1578 participants, were included. HCTR and usual rehabilitation care provide similar effects on readmission rates (odds ratio

OR

=
0.90

(95% CI 0.69-1.17),

P
=
0.43

) and mortality (odds ratio

OR

=
1.06

(95% CI 0.72-1.57),

P
=
0.76

). Effects on Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) score were also similar (SMD: 1.32 (95% CI-0.48-3.11),

P
=
0.15

). Compared with usual rehabilitation care, HCTR can improve peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) (SMD: 0.99 (95% CI 0.23-1.74),

P
=
0.01

) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT) (SMD: 10.02 (95% CI 5.44-14.60),

P
<
0.001

) of patients. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that HCTR is as effective as traditional rehabilitation care in reducing readmission rates and mortality and improving quality of life in patients with CVD. However, HCTR offers the added advantage of improving VO2 peak and 6MWT, measurements of cardiorespiratory fitness and functional capacity, respectively. These results suggest that HCTR can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional rehabilitation care, offering numerous benefits for CVD patients. Clinical Study Registration Number. This trial is registered with NCT02523560 and NCT02796404.